PCs Introduce Bills to Strengthen Democratic Participation, Incentivize Adoption of Solar Energy
WINNIPEG — Progressive Conservatives are taking action to strengthen democratic participation in Manitoba, as well as to encourage Manitobans to adopt green energy.
Interlake-Gimli MLA Derek Johnson introduced Bill 209, The Manitoba Hydro Amendment Act (Net-Metering Agreements), which would compel Manitoba Hydro to enter into agreements to purchase electricity at market rates from private homeowners and businesses that generate excess electrical capacity beyond their own needs through solar power generation. These agreements would offset the cost of installing solar panel arrays and incentivize homeowners and businesses to convert to solar power.
“This is a win-win for Manitoba Hydro, Manitobans, and solar power,” said Johnson. “Manitoba Hydro gets excess electricity it desperately needs, and private homeowners and businesses get paid for switching to environmentally-friendly solar power.”
To further support Manitobans, Brandon West MLA Wayne Balcaen introduced The Residency Requirements Elections Act on Tuesday to strengthen democratic participation by modernizing outdated rules and aligning residency requirements across multiple acts. Bill 224 would update rules for voter eligibility across Manitoba, reducing the minimum residency requirement from six months to three months. This will allow residents to vote in local matters sooner after moving to a new community.
“Bill 224 gives more Manitobans and new Canadians a voice in decisions that affect their lives,” said Balcaen, who is the PC Critic for Elections Manitoba. “By simplifying the process for residents to take part in elections and school-related votes, this bill would improve accessibility, encourage voter participation, and strengthen democracy.”
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For media inquiries, please contact PCCaucus_Media@leg.gov.mb.ca