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CBC
3 days ago
- General
- CBC
Pride Winnipeg disappointed with PCs after Official Opposition skips out on parade
The president of Pride Winnipeg says he's disappointed the Manitoba Progressive Conservative caucus did not participate formally in Sunday's Pride parade after taking part in every parade since 2017. Pride Winnipeg president Barry Karlenzig said PC Leader Obby Khan and other PC MLAs did not sign up as an entry in the annual parade. "It's disappointing to me because when the PCs were in power, we did receive the provincial grants to start Manitoba Pride Alliance and we were told they support the queer community," Karlenzig said Monday. "This shows wholeheartedly that that was just speech. They don't support the community. If they supported the community, they would have been there to celebrate our diverse community." The PCs formally entered all but one parade when Brian Pallister served as premier, both parades when Heather Stefanson was premier and in 2024, when interim leader Wayne Ewasko led the party. Obby Khan, who won the PC leadership race in April, said Sunday's Pride parade "looked like it was a great time" but did not offer an explanation why he and his caucus did not walk in it. "MLAs are free to attend if they want to attend. I don't know what every MLA's schedule was. I know my schedule was what it was," Khan said. "Also, you know, I had a prior commitment. I wasn't invited and I don't want the story to be about me attending Pride. This is about communities, about a celebration. It's about communities about the rights and that's what we want to focus on." WATCH | Manitoba Progressive Conservatives did not attend Winnipeg Pride parade: Manitoba Progressive Conservatives did not attend Winnipeg Pride parade 1 hour ago Duration 2:44 Karlenzig said the PCs did not need an invitation to sign up for the parade. The only formal invitations were sent to the premier, mayor, prime minister and the grand chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, he said. Karlenzig noted Stefanson even walked in the parade the one year she was asked not to speak at the Pride rally. Khan said it's important to note the former PC government's financial support for both Pride Winnipeg and the Rainbow Resource Centre. Earlier this spring, when he was running for PC leader, Khan also said he was not aware the term "parental rights" could have been perceived as a transphobic dog whistle during the 2023 provincial election campaign, when he served as the face of a PC "parental rights" campaign platform promise he described as an effort to combat bullying in schools. "I was aware after the campaign, actually, that some people would use that as a dog whistle. It was not my intent at all. I don't believe in that at all," Khan said in an interview on March 7. Khan said as a member of a visible minority, he has faced and continues to face discrimination and he feels strongly about the rights of every Manitoban.
Global News
3 days ago
- Business
- Global News
Manitoba Opposition Tories agree to speed passage of free trade bill before summer
Manitoba politicians reached a deal to speed passage of a free trade bill Monday, hours before the legislature was to break for the summer. More than 30 other bills were also set to be approved on the last day of the spring sitting. The trade bill, based on a deal with Ontario, would remove trade and labour barriers for some goods and services between Manitoba and other jurisdictions that pass similar laws. Other provinces have recently joined the effort, as part of a national plan to boost the economy and respond to tariffs imposed by the United States. The NDP government wanted the bill passed quickly, without public hearings that are normally mandatory in Manitoba, in time for July 1. The Opposition Progressive Conservatives initially rejected demands to quickly approve the bill and unsuccessfully proposed amendments they said would have broadened it. One Tory proposal would have reduced the number of provincial Crown corporations exempt from freer trade requirements. It was rejected by the NDP. Story continues below advertisement Tory Leader Obby Khan had also hoped for a compromise that would have seen the NDP agree to pass some Tory bills in exchange for fast-tracking the trade bill. He didn't get that promise, but agreed to pass the trade bill anyway. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'These are unprecedented times we are facing,' Khan told reporters Monday. 'Regardless of your political stripe, we must stand shoulder to shoulder against (U.S. President Donald) Trump's tariffs and for a stronger Canada.' Among the dozens of other bills headed to final approval Monday night was one to enact tax changes announced in the spring budget, including a change to personal income taxes that will no longer raise tax brackets in line with inflation. Another bill would add gender expression to the human rights code — a move that would include protections for people to be called by their preferred pronouns. The bill, similar to laws already in place in most other provinces, met with a mixture of praise and opposition at public hearings. Yet another bill would change highway traffic laws to impose new minimum distances for drivers to maintain when coming across snowplows and emergency vehicles. A change to the Public Health Act would eliminate the option of putting people with communicable diseases in jail, and divert them to a hospital or other health facility instead. Story continues below advertisement The Public School Act was amended to expand school nutrition programs across the province. 'We're incredibly proud of the work that we've done,' NDP house leader Nahanni Fontaine said. The government did not get all of its legislative agenda passed, however. The Tories used their right under house rules to hold back five bills for further debate when the legislature reconvenes in the fall. One bill includes several proposed changes to observances at schools. O Canada would have to be sung daily, and a little-used provision that required God Save the King to be played would be eliminated. The Tories said the bill would remove the royal anthem as an optional patriotic observance. Another bill held back until fall would lower political donation limits and require political parties to have a code of conduct for election advertising. A third bill would forbid liquor licences in urban convenience stores and gas stations — a move the Tories say will affect small businesses and customer choice in the few locations where such licences have been issued. The fall legislature sitting is scheduled to start Oct. 1.
CBC
3 days ago
- Business
- CBC
Manitoba politicians reach deal to speed passage of free trade bill through legislature
Social Sharing Manitoba politicians reached a deal to speed passage of a free trade bill Monday, hours before the legislature was to break for the summer. More than 30 other bills were also set to be approved on the last day of the spring sitting. The trade bill, based on a deal with Ontario, would remove trade and labour barriers for some goods and services between Manitoba and other jurisdictions that pass similar laws. Other provinces have recently joined the effort, as part of a national plan to boost the economy and respond to tariffs imposed by the United States. The NDP government wanted the bill passed quickly, without public hearings that are normally mandatory in Manitoba, in time for July 1. The Opposition Progressive Conservatives initially rejected demands to quickly approve the bill and unsuccessfully proposed amendments they said would have broadened it. One proposal would have reduced the number of provincial Crown corporations exempt from freer trade requirements. It was rejected by the NDP. PC Leader Obby Khan had also hoped for a compromise that would have seen the NDP agree to pass some Opposition bills in exchange for fast-tracking the trade bill. He didn't get that promise, but agreed to pass the trade bill anyway. "These are unprecedented times we are facing," Khan told reporters Monday. "Regardless of your political stripe, we must stand shoulder to shoulder against (U.S. President Donald) Trump's tariffs and for a stronger Canada." Among the dozens of other bills headed to final approval Monday night was one to add gender expression to the human rights code — a move that would include protections for people to be called by their preferred pronouns. The bill, similar to laws already in place in most other provinces, was met with a mixture of praise and opposition at public hearings. Another bill would change highway traffic laws to impose new minimum distances for drivers to maintain when coming across snowplows and emergency vehicles. A change to the Public Health Act would eliminate the option of putting people with communicable diseases in jail, and divert them to a hospital or other health facility instead. The Public School Act was amended to expand school nutrition programs across the province. "We're incredibly proud of the work that we've done," NDP House leader Nahanni Fontaine said. The government did not get all of its legislative agenda passed, however. A bill to enact tax changes announced in the spring budget, including a change to personal income taxes that will no longer raise tax brackets in line with inflation, will not pass until after the legislature reconvenes in the fall. The PCs used their right under House rules to hold back five other bills for further debate when the legislature resumes. One bill includes several proposed changes to observances at schools. O Canada would have to be sung daily, and a little-used provision that required God Save the King to be played would be eliminated. The PCs said the bill would remove the royal anthem as an optional patriotic observance. Another bill held back until fall would lower political donation limits and require political parties to have a code of conduct for election advertising. A third bill would forbid liquor licences in urban convenience stores and gas stations — a move the PCs say will affect small businesses and customer choice in the few locations where such licences have been issued. The fall legislature sitting is scheduled to start Oct. 1.
Winnipeg Free Press
3 days ago
- Business
- Winnipeg Free Press
Manitoba Opposition Tories agree to speed passage of free trade bill before summer
WINNIPEG – Manitoba politicians reached a deal to speed passage of a free trade bill Monday, hours before the legislature was to break for the summer. More than 30 other bills were also set to be approved on the last day of the spring sitting. The trade bill, based on a deal with Ontario, would remove trade and labour barriers for some goods and services between Manitoba and other jurisdictions that pass similar laws. Other provinces have recently joined the effort, as part of a national plan to boost the economy and respond to tariffs imposed by the United States. The NDP government wanted the bill passed quickly, without public hearings that are normally mandatory in Manitoba, in time for July 1. The Opposition Progressive Conservatives initially rejected demands to quickly approve the bill and unsuccessfully proposed amendments they said would have broadened it. One Tory proposal would have reduced the number of provincial Crown corporations exempt from freer trade requirements. It was rejected by the NDP. Tory Leader Obby Khan had also hoped for a compromise that would have seen the NDP agree to pass some Tory bills in exchange for fast-tracking the trade bill. He didn't get that promise, but agreed to pass the trade bill anyway. 'These are unprecedented times we are facing,' Khan told reporters Monday. 'Regardless of your political stripe, we must stand shoulder to shoulder against (U.S. President Donald) Trump's tariffs and for a stronger Canada.' Among the dozens of other bills headed to final approval Monday night was one to add gender expression to the human rights code — a move that would include protections for people to be called by their preferred pronouns. The bill, similar to laws already in place in most other provinces, met with a mixture of praise and opposition at public hearings. Another bill would change highway traffic laws to impose new minimum distances for drivers to maintain when coming across snowplows and emergency vehicles. A change to the Public Health Act would eliminate the option of putting people with communicable diseases in jail, and divert them to a hospital or other health facility instead. The Public School Act was amended to expand school nutrition programs across the province. 'We're incredibly proud of the work that we've done,' NDP house leader Nahanni Fontaine said. The government did not get all of its legislative agenda passed, however. A bill to enact tax changes announced in the spring budget, including a change to personal income taxes that will no longer raise tax brackets in line with inflation, will not pass until after the legislature reconvenes in the fall. The Tories used their right under house rules to hold back five other bills for further debate when the legislature resumes. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. One bill includes several proposed changes to observances at schools. O Canada would have to be sung daily, and a little-used provision that required God Save the King to be played would be eliminated. The Tories said the bill would remove the royal anthem as an optional patriotic observance. Another bill held back until fall would lower political donation limits and require political parties to have a code of conduct for election advertising. A third bill would forbid liquor licences in urban convenience stores and gas stations — a move the Tories say will affect small businesses and customer choice in the few locations where such licences have been issued. The fall legislature sitting is scheduled to start Oct. 1. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 2, 2025. Note to readers:This is a corrected story. A previous version said the government's budget implementation bill was set to pass before the summer break.
Hamilton Spectator
3 days ago
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Manitoba Opposition Tories agree to speed passage of free trade bill before summer
WINNIPEG - Manitoba politicians reached a deal to speed passage of a free trade bill Monday, hours before the legislature was to break for the summer. More than 30 other bills were also set to be approved on the last day of the spring sitting. The trade bill, based on a deal with Ontario, would remove trade and labour barriers for some goods and services between Manitoba and other jurisdictions that pass similar laws. Other provinces have recently joined the effort, as part of a national plan to boost the economy and respond to tariffs imposed by the United States. The NDP government wanted the bill passed quickly, without public hearings that are normally mandatory in Manitoba, in time for July 1. The Opposition Progressive Conservatives initially rejected demands to quickly approve the bill and unsuccessfully proposed amendments they said would have broadened it. One Tory proposal would have reduced the number of provincial Crown corporations exempt from freer trade requirements. It was rejected by the NDP. Tory Leader Obby Khan had also hoped for a compromise that would have seen the NDP agree to pass some Tory bills in exchange for fast-tracking the trade bill. He didn't get that promise, but agreed to pass the trade bill anyway. 'These are unprecedented times we are facing,' Khan told reporters Monday. 'Regardless of your political stripe, we must stand shoulder to shoulder against (U.S. President Donald) Trump's tariffs and for a stronger Canada.' Among the dozens of other bills headed to final approval Monday night was one to enact tax changes announced in the spring budget, including a change to personal income taxes that will no longer raise tax brackets in line with inflation. Another bill would add gender expression to the human rights code — a move that would include protections for people to be called by their preferred pronouns. The bill, similar to laws already in place in most other provinces, met with a mixture of praise and opposition at public hearings. Yet another bill would change highway traffic laws to impose new minimum distances for drivers to maintain when coming across snowplows and emergency vehicles. A change to the Public Health Act would eliminate the option of putting people with communicable diseases in jail, and divert them to a hospital or other health facility instead. The Public School Act was amended to expand school nutrition programs across the province. 'We're incredibly proud of the work that we've done,' NDP house leader Nahanni Fontaine said. The government did not get all of its legislative agenda passed, however. The Tories used their right under house rules to hold back five bills for further debate when the legislature reconvenes in the fall. One bill includes several proposed changes to observances at schools. O Canada would have to be sung daily, and a little-used provision that required God Save the King to be played would be eliminated. The Tories said the bill would remove the royal anthem as an optional patriotic observance. Another bill held back until fall would lower political donation limits and require political parties to have a code of conduct for election advertising. A third bill would forbid liquor licences in urban convenience stores and gas stations — a move the Tories say will affect small businesses and customer choice in the few locations where such licences have been issued. The fall legislature sitting is scheduled to start Oct. 1. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 2, 2025. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
