The first Session of the Manitoba Legislature closed last week. Portage la Prairie MLA Jeff Bereza shares what issues were highlighted. He notes the new MLAs, including himself, were able to see how everything operated. 

"A lot of things are timed.  Question periods are time. It's only 40 minutes to ask a question, and you've got 40 seconds to answer the question," says Bereza. "There are a lot of meetings that go on after we leave the 'Leg' in the evening. There are a lot of times with Committee meetings."

He explains they spent a lot of discussion on the gas tax cut Bill until almost midnight one evening. Bereza says many things go on behind the scenes, and a strong communication team is part of it all. 

"I would think the biggest thing is just the adjustment," notes Bereza. "Even from being in municipal politics, the adjustment moving up into provincial politics is a lot different. Things move at a different pace and what is really key and interesting there, even we are in opposition, we were able to make some real clear changes to a Bill of the NDP, where they actually amended it, so that it reflected what we brought forward to them."

Bereza says that was dealing with gas tax.  He explains  it originally did not include arm equipment or off-road vehicles, like snowmobiles or ATVs. He says it also did not include harvesting equipment, tractors, or swathers. Bereza says they wanted to ensure they fought for rural Manitoba.

"And we did. We were able to get those amendments in place so that it did take into account farm vehicles, municipal vehicles, like fire engines, and things like that," adds Bereza. "So. It was a win-win, not only for rural Manitoba, but actually for all of Manitoba, because all of Manitoba is affected by things that happen in rural Manitoba, like farming." 

He says the cuts will still only last for a temporary time period, and they'll be going back to see if they can extend it and make it permanent.  Bereza notes we only have six months at this point, and that comes into effect January 1.

"We don't believe that the economy is going to be straightened out in six months," continues Bereza. "So, people are still going to be struggling with the cost of fuel and other things that are related to the cost of fuel, even six months down the road. Looking forward, it will be something that we'll be pushing for as our PC team to try and get the NDP to extend the tax break out a year or more."

Another highlight includes Orange Shirt day, the Day of Truth and Reconciliation.  

"It has now been ratified and put into law, and there will be a holiday to recognize Orange Shirt Day, September 30th," says Bereza. "If the day happens to fall on a Saturday or a Sunday, then the Monday will be the holiday. I think it's a great part of Truth and Reconciliation. It gives all of us a time to reflect on Truth and Reconciliation and how this is affecting all of us as Canadians."

Bereza says Louis Riel was also recognized as Manitoba's first Premier.

"The Métis people have been working on this for some time and it's good," notes Bereza. "Our history is so important to us and I think that Louis Riel is a real important part of our history. And again, that's another one of the bills that was passed in this first session."

 

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