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Manitoba legislature session likely to focus on COVID-19, jobs and welfare reform

WINNIPEG — The Manitoba government is to lay out its plans for the coming year this afternoon in a throne speech at the legislature, which is reconvening for the first time since May.

Premier Brian Pallister has already said one key item of business will be to expand paid sick leave for people affected by COVID-19.

The government is also expected to reveal more details of its plans for welfare reform, after saying in the spring it would find ways to reduce people’s dependence on the program.

Because of the pandemic, only half the members of the legislature will be inside the legislature chamber, while the rest take part via video conference.

Opposition stalling tactics delayed dozens of bills in the spring on subjects ranging from electricity rates to cannabis consumption.

Opposition NDP Leader Wab Kinew says his party is ready to support some measures, but he won’t say whether his party will continue to stall bills the New Democrats oppose.