As the Manitoba Legislature adjourned yesterday, Manitobans were left trying to figure out everything that happened this session. Tensions ran high between the Opposition and the Government, particularly over issues of crime and public safety, with bail reform becoming a focal point. During the session, the government implemented bold and controversial policy changes, issued historic ethics rulings, and revisited past issues, often overshadowing serious governance with partisan spectacles.
Opioid Crisis
One of the most significant developments of the session was the advancement of plans for a supervised consumption site in Winnipeg. This harm-reduction initiative has received support from community and medical leaders but disapproval from the official opposition and other community groups.
Following community pushback over the original proposed site, a second location, at 366 Henry Avenue in Winnipeg, is set to open in January 2026.
For many Manitobans, this marks a long-overdue recognition that overdose deaths, drug use, and addiction are public health issues, not just criminal justice concerns. For some Manitobans, especially those living in neighbourhoods near the original site, the debate highlighted tensions between community safety, public health, and what “not in my backyard” truly means.
Historic Fines for PC leadership
For the first time in Manitoba’s history, a former premier was penalized under the province’s conflict-of-interest laws.
Former PC Premier Heather Stefanson, along with ex-PC Deputy Premier Cliff Cullen and ex-PC cabinet minister Jeff Wharton, were fined by Manitoba’s Ethics Commissioner for pushing the approval of a silica-sand mining licence after their government lost the 2023 election but before the incoming administration was sworn-in, in violation of the caretaker convention. Stefanson was fined $18,000, Cullen $12,000, and Wharton $10,000. All three fines have been paid.
Key Initiatives & Legislation
- Manitoba will fund a feasibility study for icebreakers on the Hudson this winter as Premier Kinew continues to push hard for a major project in Manitoba.
- A new Crown–Indigenous Corporation that will play a key role in this process as Wab Kinew attempts to execute his bold plan to turn Manitoba into a ‘have province.’
- A shift in government language on healthcare, moving focus from core infrastructure and staffing to patient experience and care.
- The Non-Consensual Distribution of Intimate Images Amendment Act seeks to help keep children safe by holding people who share non-consensual images accountable and by giving courts the authority to order internet intermediaries to remove non-consensual images.
- The Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation Amendment Act seeks to keep costs down by maintaining Manitoba Public Insurance’s current vehicle registration model.
- The Sign Languages Recognition Act will officially recognize sign languages, including American Sign Language, Quebec sign language, Indigenous sign languages and tactile sign languages, as the primary languages for communication for Deaf and Deaf-Blind communities in Manitoba.
Despite challenging external conditions over the past two years, support for this government remains strong. When MLAs return to their seats in the spring, expect what we have consistently seen in the legislature in recent years – lively debates and Speaker Tom Lindsay shouting “order!”
The Manitoba legislature returns on March 4, 2026.