Manitoba NDP concludes third year with 52 bills passed

The Manitoba NDP government has completed the third year of its four-year mandate, with 52 bills expected to become law. Government house leader Nahanni Fontaine announced the progress following the final question period of the 43rd legislature.

Key legislative achievements include the removal of provincial sales tax on packaged foods, chips, and soft drinks, which took effect on July 1. Additionally, several healthcare-related bills were passed, focusing on restricting mandatory overtime, establishing nurse-to-patient ratios, creating a patient safety charter, and modifying sick-note requirements for employees.

Two government bills were not passed before the summer break. The Progressive Conservatives requested more debate on certain measures, most notably Bill 13, the Residential Tenancies Amendment Act, which seeks to increase renter protections and raise maximum fines for landlords.