Manitoba MLAs are again sparring at the legislature as the fall sitting began Wednesday.

Portage la Prairie MLA Ian Wishart highlighted that the session will deal with some carry-over bills from the spring, including the Manitoba Hydro Amendments Act, which will put a cap on any increases on hydro rates moving into the future.

"Also, encourage the Hydro Board to bring a plan forward, a multi-year plan as to what their rates might be so it'll have more predictability for ratepayers across the province for hydro."

The Portage MLA spoke about the Crown Corporation having to go through the Public Utilities Board for an increase.

"They (Hydro) do that on an annual basis, and it's led to an average increase of almost 4 per cent over the last 20 years or so annually. This way, we're putting a 5 per cent cap on it so it can't go any higher on an annual basis,"

Wishart adds, that multiple other bills were discussed, including one regarding the use of pesticides which will allow for the use of pesticides in certain situations.

"So, that we can control weeds on boulevards and things like that a little more effectively, and I know that that'll be well received by a number of people."

Wishart notes that it is nice to be back at it and to get down to business.

"I know that there are a lot of major bills coming forward. We have some financial business that we have to handle, as we do in almost every session that we deal with. It's good to be back in the legislature, and we're looking forward to representing Portage citizens." 

Related Stories