Thanks to who fought government bills

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 01/10/2021 (606 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

In only a few days, Manitobans will finally get see five harmful bills officially withdrawn by the Progressive Conservative government.

For months now, my NDP colleagues and I have heard from folks all over the province about their concerns regarding these bills that the PCs were trying to pass.

I talked to so many residents of Notre Dame that were especially worried about how these bills would affect our community.

I am proud to say we stopped Bill 35, which would have made it easier for the government to keep raising your Hydro bills without checking with the experts. Recently, Hydro released its annual report, which shows it is profitable, proving the near three per cent rate increase Manitobans got last December was unnecessary.

We also stopped Bill 57, which would have limited the right to peacefully protest; and Bill 16, which would have taken away many rights and protections for workers.

Community members who raised concern about the mental health and addictions crisis helped us stop Bill 40, which would have affected people in Notre Dame dealing with mental health and addictions issues and created security concerns in our community.

Finally, many of you helped the fight against Bill 64, which would have greatly impacted nutrition, after-school care and Indigenous and newcomer programing in our schools. Because of your work, Manitoban students, teachers and educators can breathe a sigh of relief, for now.

I am so proud of the effort I have seen from residents of Notre Dame who, along with many other Manitobans, stood up and raised their collective voice to oppose the passing of these bills into law.

The NDP fought hard to delay the passing of these bills in the legislature while individuals, groups, unions, and entire communities informed and mobilized the public to oppose these bills and the detrimental impact they would have had on the lives of all Manitobans.

 People wrote letters, emails, put up signs, and registered to speak at the Legislative Assembly’s committee hearings. Together, we made a difference.

As we celebrate the fact these bills are being withdrawn, we will remain vigilant about the PCs trying to re-introduce parts of the harmful policies contained in these five bills. The fight is not over but the NDP and I will continue to stand up and be a voice to all Manitobans impacted by the PCs’ harmful agenda.

Contact my office anytime at by calling 204-788-0800 or malaya.marcelino@yourmanitoba.ca