October 14, 2021

Treaty 1 and Dakota Territory, Homeland of the Métis Nation, Winnipeg MB— Today the PCs voted down NDP House Leader Nahanni Fontaine’s bill to protect Manitobans accessing healthcare from harassment. All PC members in the House voted against the bill including the Minister of Health. PC Leadership candidate Heather Stefanson was notably absent from the Legislature and did not appear virtually.

“Reproductive health is healthcare,” said Fontaine. “And every woman in Manitoba has a right to access healthcare without being shamed, harassed or intimidated. By voting against my bill, the PCs voted against women. And PC leadership candidate Heather Stefanson refused to show up to take a stand. This is a shameful day in Manitoba politics, one that women will not forget.”

Fontaine’s bill creates a buffer zone around abortion clinics and healthcare facilities that would prevent ant-choice protests from shaming, harassing and intimidating people accessing health care and health care providers.

“Women’s healthcare is under threat as long as the PCs remain in office,” said Fontaine. “But our NDP Team will never stop fighting for women, girls and gender diverse people in Manitoba.”