Manitoba Throne Speech To Kick Off Short Legislature Sitting: Stefanson

Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson says the province’s throne speech today will be very general and not long on detail.

Stefanson, who was sworn-in on Nov. 2 to replace Brian Pallister, says she wants to let her cabinet ministers listen to Manitobans and further develop the Progressive Conservatives’ agenda.

She says the throne speech, which kicks off an eight-day fall legislature sitting, will set out a general vision.

Stefanson also says the government is planning to require everyone attending the legislature to be fully vaccinated, as early

as Dec. 15.

Opposition NDP Leader Wab Kinew will take part in the sitting virtually, because he has tested positive for COVID-19 and has mild symptoms.

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Stefanson hints that a more detailed agenda will be revealed in the new year.

“Right now, we’re sort of setting a tone, a vision for the future and … what the priorities are for our government and for Manitobans,” Stefanson said Monday.

“And then we’ll look at the details moving forward.”

The Tory government has yet to decide whether to revive some controversial bills that were withdrawn after Pallister resigned, including a plan to overhaul the education system.

Stefanson has said she will not eliminate elected school boards, which was the most contentious part of the bill.