Holiday Closure
The library will be closed from December 25, 2023 to January 1, 2024. We will return to our regular office hours on Tuesday, January 2, 2024. Happy holidays everyone!
-The Manitoba Law Library team
New King’s Bench Notice
December 5, 2023 – Return to in-person appearances – Associate Judges
“There have been Notices issued by the Manitoba Court of King’s Bench Masters (as they then were), lastly on June 9, 2022, that governed practice before the Masters. This Notice will replace those previous Notices, except as otherwise specified herein, and will be in place effective January 8, 2024. This Notice does not impact any matters that, as of today’s date, have already been set to proceed, whether proceeding via teleconference, in person or otherwise. Those previously scheduled appearances, even if set to proceed virtually after January 8, 2024, will continue as currently planned.
With the exception of the associate judges’ daily uncontested lists, which will continue to proceed remotely as set out below, these changes reflect a more fulsome move back to in person hearings for all other matters set to appear before the associate judges. The court will continue to implement flexibility in appropriate circumstances, on the request of parties, and where resources allow. This Notice will apply to practices in the associate judges’ courts in every jurisdiction, except as expressly addressed below: ” (see notice for full details on Child Protection Dockets, Maintenance Enforcement Dockets, Associate Judges’ Civil and Family Uncontested List, Bankruptcy Dockets, Contested Motions, Uncontested Passing of Accounts and Hearings for Directions and Matters involving the provision of viva voce evidence).
Legislative Update
News
- Manitoba Government Introduces Bill to Recognize Louis Riel as First Premier of Manitoba November 23, 2023 – “The Manitoba government is honouring the legacy of Louis Riel by introducing legislation that would recognize him as the first premier of Manitoba, Premier Wab Kinew, Minister responsible for Intergovernmental Affairs and Indigenous Reconciliation, and Manitoba Métis Federation President David Chartrand announced today.”
- Manitoba Government Introduces Legislation to Make Lives More Affordable for Manitobans by Lowering Fuel Taxes November 23, 2023 – “Bill 3, The Fuel Tax Amendment Act (Fuel Tax Holiday) would temporarily reduce the provincial fuel tax rate to zero cents per litre on gasoline, natural gas and diesel fuels for road use. This tax pause would remain in place for six months. During the fuel tax holiday, the 14-cent fuel tax rates on gasoline and diesel used to operate motor vehicles will be eliminated, the minister noted..”
- Manitoba Government Introduces Legislation to Establish National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as Provincial Statutory Holiday November 27, 2023 – “The proposed legislation would establish Sept. 30 as a provincial statutory holiday, which directly responds to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action No. 80.”
- Manitoba Government Establishes Southern Manitoba Cabinet Office November 29, 2023 – “The new initiative will be led by Brandon Burley. Burley was the Mayor of Morden for five years from 2018 to 2023, during which time he served as the director of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. Prior to holding elected office, Burley was a real estate appraiser. With the position announced today, Burley will serve as a liaison between the premier’s office, cabinet and stakeholders in the Pembina Valley region.”
- Manitoba Government Supports Adult Education by Introducing Adult Literacy Act December 1, 2023 – “The adult literacy act establishes and sets the funding eligibility parameters for adult literacy and numeracy programming for Manitobans. The act would ensure the efficacy of literacy programs through program standards and encourage stronger literacy outcomes through a mandated strategy and reporting on outcomes, noted the minister”
The Legislative Assembly of Manitoba
First Session, Forty-third Legislature
Government Bills
Introduced
Bill 2 The Louis Riel Act – “The Louis Riel Act bestows the honorary title of “First Premier of Manitoba” on Louis Riel. The Manitoba education curriculum must now include the significant contributions of Louis Riel.”
Bill 3 The Fuel Tax Amendment Act (Fuel Tax Holiday) – “The Fuel Tax Act is amended to provide for a tax holiday from January 1, 2024, to June 30, 2024, for fuel purchased for use in operating motor vehicles, farm trucks and fire fighting equipment. A similar tax holiday is provided for multi-jurisdictional carriers who operate without a carrier licence. Regulations may be made to extend the tax holiday for up to six months or to reduce the applicable tax rate during the period from July 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024.
Bill 4 The Employment Standards Code Amendment and Interpretation Amendment Act (Orange Shirt Day) – ” The Employment Standards Code and The Interpretation Act are amended to observe Orange Shirt Day (National Day for Truth and Reconciliation) as a provincial statutory holiday on September 30. Employers and employees may not substitute a different date for observing Orange Shirt Day. In addition, The Public Schools Act is amended to ensure that, in years when Orange Shirt Day falls on a Saturday or Sunday, schools are closed on the following Monday.”
Bill 5 The Adult Literacy Act – “The Adult Literacy Act requires the minister to develop, implement and evaluate an adult literacy strategy in collaboration with others involved in adult literacy. A component of the strategy is the Manitoba Adult Literacy Program, which supports adult literacy programs.”
Private Bills
Introduced
Bill 200 The Firefighters Recognition Day Act (Commemoration of Days, Weeks and Months Act Amended) – “The Commemoration of Days, Weeks and Months Act is amended to proclaim May 4 as Firefighters Recognition Day.”
For the status of all current bills click here.
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