Earlier this afternoon, Manitoba Lieutenant Governor Anita Neville delivered Premier Wab Kinew’s Speech from the Throne. The speech highlighted many of the government’s accomplishments over the past two years, while setting expectations, priorities and key themes for the forthcoming legislative session.
On Health Care
Wab Kinew repeatedly called the 2023 election a campaign about health care, and the Government took the opportunity in the speech to highlight their accomplishments since taking power. Healthcare was seen as a particular vulnerability for the previous Progressive Conservative Government, who were maligned for closing several ERs and we're unable to compete with the NDP's ambitious vision in the 2023 election
Since the election, the Government highlighted that they have added over 3,500 new frontline staff, which has included 285 new doctors, while also opening six new primary care clinics and expanding ER services in rural Manitoba. The Speech also highlighted their plans to expand scope of practice for pharmacists for prescribing rights for UTIs and birth control.
The Government also focused on their plan to “create a safer, more efficient patient experience,” by establishing a “Patient Safety Charter” through legislation. The Government also announced that they would be ending the practice of mandatory overtime for health care workers, starting with frontline nurses. The Speech also spoke of upcoming legislation to mandate staff to patient ratios. Additionally, the government will be launching digital health cards in January and hinted at a further enhanced role for pharmacists for treating common ailments as has become standard in several other provinces. To do so, the Government promised to bring doctors and pharmacists together to ensure quality and accessible care.
On the Economy and Affordability
The Kinew Government came into office at the height of Canada’s affordability crisis and took efforts to ease the burden on Manitobans and slow inflation immediately.
The Speech highlighted many of these efforts, including the Government’s permanent cutting of the province’s gas tax, freezing hydro rates, and reduced taxes for renters and homeowners. They also boasted of having created 25,000 new full-time jobs since the 2023 election and having reduced the province’s payroll tax.
Premier Kinew has been vocal in his opinions on Canada’s response to the American trade war and has become a strong advocate for resource extraction and development of the Port of Churchill on Hudson Bay. Federal support for the Port of Churchill was announced by the Premier and Prime Minister Carney this weekend, and again mentioned in the Speech.
The Speech also referenced the need for “in-demand, low-cost, clean energy” to support tech investment, AI, and a digital economy. To “Trump-proof” the province’s economy, the Government is proposing a new dual-fuel combustion turbine in the western portion of the province which will add 750 megawatts of power.
The NDP have put their sights on taking traditionally Conservative seats in rural Manitoba in the next election. The government has announced investments in rural economic development, support for farmers, and has called on the federal government to take action to have Chinese tariffs lifted on Manitoba agricultural exports.
On Public Safety, Mental Health and Addictions
Building on the recently passed Protective Detention and Care of Intoxicated Persons Act, today's speech announced more detox beds and a supervised consumption site opening in Winnipeg in the new year. The government has also announced increased targeting and enforcement against illegal drug operations in the province.
On the Environment
Following a historic wildfire season that saw 35,000 Manitobans displaced and tragically two individuals pass away, the government announced the most comprehensive after-action wildfire review in Manitoba’s history. The Government also announced that they will also conduct a review with recommendations on wildfire awareness and education, prevention and preparedness, and air quality.
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Today’s speech is at the halfway mark of Premier Kinew’s first term in government. The Premier, who continues to maintain a significant lead in public opinion polling, has mused about an early election. It will be worth watching closely throughout this legislative session to see what other political priorities the Government focuses on in advance of a potential snap election.
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