NDP Continue Putting Politics Over People
PCs Pass Men’s Mental Health Awareness Bill
WINNIPEG — As the first session of the 43rd Legislature came to an end Thursday, the Manitoba NDP killed legislation aimed at protecting Manitoba women, while passing a budget that hikes taxes on Manitoba families to the tune of $150 million and removes government accountability.
“Wab Kinew said absolutely anything to get elected but has done little to keep his promises, make life more affordable, and protect Manitobans,” said Wayne Ewasko, Leader of the Official Opposition. “Manitobans deserve better than a government that’s more focused on optics than outcomes, on credit than on concrete results. We will keep advocating for policies that protect families, ensure accountability, and put Manitobans’ well-being ahead of politics.”
For weeks, the NDP have repeatedly blocked Bill 221, The Earlier Screening for Breast Cancer Act, introduced by Roblin MLA Kathleen Cook, which would establish a hard deadline to lower the breast cancer screening age to 40 and ensure annual reporting to the public. Despite Cook and advocates pushing the issue since the spring, the NDP refused calls to reduce the breast cancer screening age in Manitoba until they could present the idea as their own. Nevertheless, they still refused the extra layers of accountability and the firm timeline built into Bill 221.
The NDP repeated this tactic with Bill 209—also known as Keira’s Law—introduced by Liberal MLA Cindy Lamoureux, which had the full support of the Progressive Conservative caucus before the NDP blocked its passage in the spring. The bill was once again blocked from passing at third reading this fall before the NDP rushed in their own legislation to take full credit for the idea.
“We have no interest in the NDP’s political games when it comes to doing what’s right for Manitobans,” said MLA Derek Johnson, Opposition House Leader. “If not for the dysfunction of the NDP, earlier breast cancer screenings and Keira’s Law could have passed a long time ago. In fact, the NDP even chose to block their own bill that commemorates Indigenous Veterans Day—a day before Indigenous Veterans Day—for the sole purpose of not passing Bill 221.”
Progressive Conservatives are, however, proud to celebrate the passing of Bill 217, The Mens Men’s Mental Health Awareness Week Act. Sponsored by Dawson Trail MLA Bob Lagassé, the act designates the days leading up to Fathers Day as a week to promote and bring attention to men’s mental wellbeing in Manitoba.
Other PC legislation, which the NDP used their majority in the Legislature to block this session, included a bill that would have incentivized more Manitobans to install solar energy systems and another that would have delivered more consumer choice by expanding private liquor sales.
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More Quotes
“Manitobans deserve accountability from this NDP government. Despite promising to lower the breast cancer screening age as outlined in our bill, they were unwilling to pass the Earlier Screening for Breast Cancer Act and legislate that commitment. That’s a huge let down to advocates, survivors, and women all across the province.”
Roblin MLA Kathleen Cook, PC Critic for Health
“I am proud that the Men’s Mental Health Awareness Week Act has passed royal assent and will now be law in Manitoba. This act is a vital step toward breaking down barriers to mental health support for men, creating space for open conversations, and promoting awareness. I look forward to seeing the positive impact that this will have on men and families across our province.”
Dawson Trail MLA Bob Lagassé
“The NDP have hidden major legislation within their budget bill, sidestepping the democratic process. They have given themselves unchecked power to hike Hydro rates and gas taxes at the cabinet table, increase property taxes, and are eliminating the basic personal amount. The NDP do not care about making life affordable for Manitobans.”
Midland MLA Lauren Stone, PC Critic for Finance