18/04/2023 

Treaty 1 and Dakota Territory, Homeland of the Red River Métis, Winnipeg MB – While the Manitoba NDP government takes action to lower costs and rebuild health care, the opposition PCs delayed important bills aimed at making life better for Manitobans.  

The bills being held up by PC MLAs include the Public Schools Amendment Act, which is aimed at increasing school enrollment and making it easier for kids to go to school in their community; and the Employment Standards Code Amendment Act, which would extend leave for workers who have a serious illness or injury from 17 to 27 weeks, aligning with the federal Employment Insurance Benefit period. 

“Our NDP team is determined to help lower costs and help Manitobans raise healthier families,” said NDP Caucus Chair Mike Moyes. “Families are disappointed by the actions of the PC opposition, who should be ashamed of their performance during these past months. It’s because of them, legislation that improves sick leave for working people and ensuring more kids can get an education is being blocked. While the PCs are focused on scoring political points, we’re getting things done for Manitobans, and this won’t stop us.” 

The four bills being delayed by the PCs are: 

Bill 7 - The Public Sector Construction Projects (Tendering) Repeal Act 

Bill 9 - The Employment Standards Code Amendment Act 

Bill 16 - The Regulatory Accountability Reporting Act and Amendments to The Statutes and Regulations Act 

Bill 21 - The Public Schools Amendment Act 

These delays are the latest in a series of actions taken by the PC opposition in an attempt to delay important steps forward for Manitobans, including the establishment of a carbon capture regime, and legislation to crack down on drug traffickers and organized crime through unexplained wealth orders.