An update from Broadway

Burrows

As the leaves change and we move deeper into autumn, I want to share some important updates from the Manitoba legislature and highlight the progress we’ve made since the session began.

The Manitoba legislature resumed on Oct. 1 with a focus on health care, affordability, and public safety – areas that matter most to families across our province.

One of the most urgent challenges we are tackling is the methamphetamine crisis. Our government introduced Bill 48: The Protective Detention and Care of Intoxicated Persons Act, which allows authorities to hold individuals intoxicated by drugs like meth for up to 72 hours instead of 24. This extra time means people can stabilize, receive medical checks every 24 hours, and connect with treatment programs – giving families hope and reducing harm in our communities.

This crisis is also deeply connected with our housing crisis. Through the Your Way Home strategy, our government is taking immediate steps to end chronic homelessness by 2031. This includes creating new affordable housing units, such as our recent investment in 22 homes in Winnipeg’s North Point Douglas neighborhood, using properties seized under the Criminal Property Forfeiture Act. These homes will provide safe spaces for families, turning assets tied to crime into community benefits.

The legislature is also reviewing amendments related to safety, housing, and legal reforms, alongside initiatives that protect democracy and promote social and economic sustainability. Our newly proposed Bill 50, for example, requires any use of the notwithstanding clause to be reviewed by the Manitoba Court of Appeal – ensuring transparency and accountability in our laws.

Our NDP government continues to deliver on promises that make life better for Manitobans. Some other initiatives include a $4.5 million investment into Indigenous language degree programs, a successful lobby to increase our immigration nomination allocation to 1,489 spots, and Bill 49, which protects MPI’s registered owner model and keeps insurance premiums stable for young and new drivers. For seniors, the newly reinstated Seniors’ Advocate office, which opened Nov. 1, will provide an independent voice to identify health risks and recommend improvements in health care, housing, and other essential services.

Last, I had a special opportunity to deliver a member statement honouring the Philippine Basketball Association Winnipeg for 25 years of service to the community. Its work “empowering youth through sport” reflects the same values of inclusion and opportunity that guide our government.

I encourage you to follow debates and watch live House broadcasts at https://www.gov.mb.ca/legislature/business/house_broadcasts.html

Please feel free to reach me at 204-415-7621 or diljeet.brar@yourmanitoba.ca. Your voice matters, and together we can build a stronger, fairer Manitoba.