A budget bill packed with non-budget items, which was passed by the NDP majority government late Thursday, is on track to become law without requiring public input — a process the Tories say is “undemocratic.”
The Budget Implementation and Tax Statutes Amendment Act 2024 includes tax measures, such as repealing provisions that provided for the current fuel tax holiday, and allowing the existing tax rates for fuel to be varied by regulation in the future. It reduces the basic personal amount claimable by an individual whose income exceeds $200,000, to nil when their income reaches $400,000.
The omnibus bill also includes changes to other pieces of legislation.
It will double the maximum amount of reimbursement of election expenses for candidates and political parties, to 50 per cent from 25 per cent.
It amends the Environment Act to expand the actions that cannot be done in contravention of the law, or without a licence, and allows for administrative monetary penalties to be imposed for failing to comply with environmental protection orders.
The legislation removes key debt-reduction targets for Manitoba Hydro that were set by the former PC government, and provides that a general rate increase can’t exceed four per cent in a fiscal year.
It also changes labour law to enable automatic certification if a union demonstrates that at least 50 per cent of the employees support it, and prohibits the use replacement workers during a lockout or strike — except in limited circumstances, including to prevent threats to life, health or safety.
It establishes a seniors advocate who, as an officer of the legislative assembly, is to identify, review and analyze systemic problems or concerns important to seniors and refer matters to the appropriate body for complaint, inquiry or investigation when warranted.
“These are major pieces of legislation… Manitobans deserve to have a say,” Tory finance critic Lauren Stone said Friday.
While most bills must be referred to a standing committee, where public presentations are allowed, financial bills such as BITSA, the Appropriation Act, and Interim Supply Act, are referred to the committee of the whole, which is held in the legislative chamber and doesn’t include public presentations.
In either venue, bills are considered clause by clause, for debate and possible amendment.
The government can decide whether BITSA is put before a standing committee, with public input or to committee of the whole in the chamber. In the last 25 years, it has gone to a standing committee only twice – in 2008 and 2009.
“Why do they not want to face Manitobans who should have a say in what goes into this legislation?” Stone asked. “This is absolutely undemocratic and not transparent.”
The NDP has defended the omnibus bill, saying its majority government received a mandate from Manitobans.
The PC finance critic said Manitobans expect accountability and transparency.
“It makes me question what they’re going to do in the future and what’s going to come for Manitobans,” Stone said.
carol.sanders@freepress.mb.ca
Carol Sanders
Legislature reporter
Carol Sanders is a reporter at the Free Press legislature bureau. The former general assignment reporter and copy editor joined the paper in 1997. Read more about Carol.
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