Legislature Update - Summer 2026

The Manitoba Legislature is currently on break for the summer, but will reconvene on September 29th for another sitting of the 43rd Legislature.

In preparation for that return, we wanted to get you up to speed on everything that's happened so far in the current session.

But first, how exactly does Manitoba's Legislative calendar work?

First, each election creates a new "Legislature" - this being the 43rd.

Then, in between each election, each Legislature can be broken up into separate "Sessions".

Each session starts with a new Throne Speech and new Bills (proposed laws), with the numbering system restarted back at 1.

(So Bill 1 in Session 1 is a completely different piece of legislation than Bill 1 in Session 2, or than Bill 1 in Session 1 of a different Legislature!)

Usually, each Session is further divided into a Spring and Fall sitting (there's no Throne Speech for a new sitting, and Bills continue), but technically, a single Session could span multiple years and many different Spring and Fall sittings, so long as there's no new Throne Speech.

Within each sitting, daily proceedings follow a structured routine, starting with standard items like Question Period and Bill introductions, followed by debates on ongoing Bills.

The current sitting of the 43rd Legislature has been a busy time with lots of changes, as several important Bills were passed that will impact everything from our economy to public safety.

So, read on below for a summary of all the Bills passed so far during this session.

And yes, we plan to do this kind of roundup for all future sittings as well, so keep an eye out for those updates in the future!

Whether it's through our newsletters, email updates, or in-depth reports, we'll ensure you stay in the loop and understand the impact of the changes happening in our province, breaking down the most critical bills and decisions, and explaining what they mean for you.

(If you want to support this and the other work we do, please consider donating here.)

Financial

Bill 39 - The Manitoba Hydro Amendment and Tax Administration and Miscellaneous Taxes Amendment Act

Bill 39 created a new levy on high-intensity electricity users, including cryptocurrency operations and certain large data centres. Manitoba Hydro is responsible for administering the levy, with revenues remaining within the corporation to help support Manitoba's electricity system.

Bill 52 - The Interim Appropriation Act, 2026

Bill 52 authorized interim government spending for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The Act provided funding for government operations, capital projects, loans, guarantees, and other financial commitments to ensure public services continue while the full provincial budget is finalized.

Bill 53 - The Budget Implementation and Tax Statutes Amendment Act, 2026

Bill 53 implemented a range of measures from Manitoba's 2026 Budget. The legislation increased homeowner and renter tax credits, exempted prenatal vitamins and basic groceries from provincial sales tax, introduced changes affecting property transfers and short-term accommodation taxes, expanded support for childcare initiatives, and established a royalty framework for captured carbon storage.

Legal

Bill 4 - The Constitutional Questions Amendment Act

Bill 4 required the government to refer any legislation invoking the notwithstanding clause to the Manitoba Court of Appeal within 90 days of its passage. The Court must provide an opinion on whether the law limits Charter rights and whether those limits could be justified under section 1 of the Charter. The Act is intended to improve transparency whenever the notwithstanding clause is used.

Bill 14 - The Public Interest Disclosure (Whistleblower Protection) Amendment Act

Bill 14 strengthened protections for public sector employees who report wrongdoing. The law expands protections against reprisals, prevents confidentiality agreements from restricting whistleblower disclosures, establishes new procedures for complaints involving senior officials, and requires public bodies to file annual reports even when no disclosures occur.

Bill 15 - The Consumer Protection Amendment Act

Bill 15 established a right-to-repair framework for designated consumer goods. Suppliers must make replacement parts, repair tools, software, and repair information available to consumers within a reasonable time and at a reasonable cost, while also providing remedies where these requirements are not met.

Bill 30 - The Intimate Partner Violence Death Review Committee Act

Bill 30 established an independent committee to review deaths resulting from intimate partner violence. The committee will examine systemic issues, identify risk factors, and make recommendations to help prevent future deaths. It is also authorized to obtain relevant records while protecting the privacy of those involved.

Bill 34 - The Interprovincial Subpoena Amendment Act

Bill 34 modernized Manitoba's interprovincial subpoena process by expanding it to include administrative tribunals and similar decision-making bodies across Canada. The legislation clarifies the role of the Court of King's Bench in recognizing subpoenas issued in other jurisdictions and supports greater legal cooperation between provinces and territories.

Education

Bill 29 - The University of Winnipeg Amendment Act

Bill 29 modernized the governance of the University of Winnipeg by reducing the size of its Board of Regents, introducing term limits, strengthening conflict of interest rules, and requiring annual performance evaluations of the university president. The legislation also encourages greater diversity and financial expertise among board members.

Bill 35 - The Adult Learning Centres Amendment Act

Bill 35 allowed First Nation band councils and certain union-operated training centres to establish adult learning centres without partnering with other educational institutions. The bill also introduced new financial reporting requirements to improve accountability.

Bill 38 - The Public Schools Amendment and Manitoba School Boards Association Amendment Act

Bill 38 expanded the definition of bullying to address artificial intelligence and conduct targeting specific groups. The legislation required school codes of conduct to address AI use, updated the role of school superintendents, and allowed Indigenous educational organizations to participate in the Manitoba School Boards Association.

Bill 45 - The Yellowquill University College Act and Amendments to the Advanced Education Administration Act

Bill 45 formally recognized Yellowquill University College as a degree-granting post-secondary institution. The Act established its governance structure, recognized its First Nations-led educational mandate, and created a framework for provincial funding and accountability.

Public Safety

Bill 3 - The Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation Amendment Act

Bill 3 updated Manitoba Public Insurance's driver safety rating system by requiring insurance discounts to be based on the registered owner's driving record. The legislation also established exceptions for owners who do not hold a driver's licence, allowing regulations to determine whose driving record will apply.

Bill 31 - The Highway Traffic Amendment Act

Bill 31 strengthened impaired driving laws by introducing stricter alcohol restrictions for commercial and emergency vehicle drivers. The bill increased roadside suspension periods, expanded zero-alcohol requirements following impaired driving offences, and required participation in the ignition interlock program after certain licence suspensions.

Bill 42 - The Motor Vehicle Statutes Amendment Act

Bill 42 updated several motor vehicle laws by requiring written contracts for driver training schools and creating a public registry of licensed schools. The bill also expanded permitted uses for certain farm vehicles and authorized Manitoba Public Insurance to reimburse counselling costs for family members and witnesses affected by serious motor vehicle collisions.

Bill 43 - The Highway Traffic Amendment and Drivers and Vehicles Amendment Act

Bill 43 established new rules governing low-powered personal electric vehicles, including e-scooters and electric skateboards. The legislation introduced age, helmet, and speed requirements, regulated three-wheeled vehicles, clarified rules for automated driving system pilot projects, and updated vehicle registration and road safety requirements.

Labour

Bill 10 - The Employment Standards Code Amendment Act (Attachment Leave for Adoption and Surrogacy)

Bill 10 created a new unpaid attachment leave of up to 16 weeks for employees welcoming a child through adoption or surrogacy. The leave may begin before a child's placement and is intended to provide families with additional time to bond during the transition.

Bill 11 - The Employment Standards Code Amendment Act (Sick Notes for Employee Absences)

Bill 11 limited when employers can require medical notes for employee absences due to illness or injury. The bill also expanded the list of recognized health professionals who may provide documentation and required employers to reimburse employees for reasonable costs associated with obtaining medical notes.

Healthcare

Bill 16 - The Mental Health Amendment Act

Bill 16 modernized Manitoba's mental health legislation by expanding the range of health professionals authorized to conduct psychiatric assessments and allowing remote examinations where appropriate. The bill also authorized electronic hearings and strengthened safeguards surrounding involuntary psychiatric assessments.

Bill 17 - The Adult Abuse Registry Amendment Act

Bill 17 streamlined the Adult Abuse Registry Committee's decision-making process while maintaining procedural fairness. The legislation updated hearing procedures, modernized terminology, and preserved the right of individuals to respond to allegations before decisions are made.

Bill 27 - The Declaration of Principles for Patient Health Care Act and Amendments to the Health System Governance and Accountability Act

Bill 27 established guiding principles for Manitoba's healthcare system focused on quality, safety, timely access, and patient-centred care. The legislation also created a provincial patient advocacy office and strengthened processes for sharing information following critical incidents.

Bill 28 - The Health System Governance and Accountability Amendment Act (Nurse-to-Patient Ratios)

Bill 28 authorized the government to establish mandatory nurse-to-patient ratios through regulation. Health authorities must develop compliance plans, report instances where ratios are not met, and participate in implementation planning, while allowing flexibility during public health emergencies.

Bill 32 - The Improving Access to Breast Cancer Screening Act

Bill 32 required Manitoba's cancer authority to develop plans to improve breast cancer screening and increase participation, particularly among underserved populations. The legislation also required regular reporting on screening outcomes and ongoing public education initiatives.

Bill 36 - The Child and Family Services Amendment Act

Bill 36 expanded recognition of Indigenous child and family service laws enacted under self-government agreements and extended certain supports to young adults transitioning out of care. The legislation also updated related statutes to ensure consistent delivery of services.

Bill 50 - The Pharmaceutical Amendment, Regulated Health Professions Amendment and Public Health Amendment Act

Bill 50 authorized pharmacists to prescribe therapeutic substitutes in appropriate circumstances, created a framework for merging health profession regulatory bodies, and updated procedures governing public health detention orders and professional regulation.

Environment

Bill 18 - The Waste Reduction and Prevention Amendment Act (Strengthening Enforcement)

Bill 18 strengthened Manitoba's environmental enforcement powers by expanding inspection authority, introducing administrative penalties, and allowing compliance orders for violations. The legislation also required greater public reporting on stewardship programs and enforcement activities to improve transparency and accountability.

Bill 37 - The Environmental Statutes Amendment Act

Bill 37 updated several environmental laws by strengthening enforcement, expanding regulatory powers, increasing public reporting requirements, and extending the time available to prosecute environmental offences. The legislation also authorized additional fees related to environmental approvals and compliance activities.

Other Legislation

Bill 5 - The Accessibility for Manitobans Amendment Act and the Commemoration of Days, Weeks and Months Amendment Act (Access Awareness Week)

Bill 5 strengthened accessibility planning requirements for public sector organizations and updated the composition of the Accessibility Advisory Council to better reflect Manitoba's diversity. The legislation also established Access Awareness Week and requires periodic reviews of the Accessibility for Manitobans Act.

Bill 6 - The Sign Languages Recognition Act 

Bill 6 formally recognized American Sign Language, Quebec Sign Language, Indigenous sign languages, and tactile sign languages as important languages used by Manitoba's Deaf and Deaf-Blind communities. The Act is intended to promote inclusion and recognize the cultural and linguistic significance of these languages.

Bill 19 - The Animal Care Amendment Act

Bill 19 modernized Manitoba's animal welfare laws by introducing licensing requirements for pet sellers, strengthening standards of care, expanding court powers to restrict animal ownership, and increasing penalties for animal cruelty offences. 

Bill 20 - The Manitoba Hydro Amendment Act

Bill 20 authorized Manitoba Hydro to establish a curtailable electricity program for cryptocurrency operations. The legislation allows Hydro to temporarily reduce power supply to participating customers during periods of high demand or system emergencies while providing legal protections for actions taken in good faith.

Bill 23 - The Advocate for Children and Youth Amendment Act

Bill 23 expanded the principles guiding the Advocate's work by recognizing the rights of children and youth of diverse gender identities and incorporating principles from international human rights agreements. The bill also expanded the Advocate's ability to work with government agencies and requires regular legislative reviews of the Act.

Bill 33 - The Planning Amendment and City of Winnipeg Charter Amendment Act

Bill 33 streamlined Manitoba's land-use planning process by establishing timelines for Municipal Board decisions, simplifying subdivision approvals, and updating rules governing planning appeals and livestock operations. The legislation also removed several outdated planning provisions to improve efficiency.

Bill 40 - The Elections Amendment Act

Bill 40 required current and former Members of the Legislative Assembly seeking election to disclose certain findings made against them under Manitoba's conflict of interest legislation. Disclosure is required where previous violations resulted in significant penalties such as fines, suspension, or removal from office.

Bill 41 - The Promoting Inclusion in Amateur Sport Act

Bill 41 required provincial sport organizations to adopt inclusion policies, provide inclusion training, collect demographic information, and report annually on efforts to increase participation among underrepresented groups. The legislation aims to improve diversity and accessibility in amateur sport.

Bill 44 - The Minor Amendments and Corrections Act, 2026

Bill 44 made technical amendments to numerous Manitoba statutes. The bill updated terminology, corrected drafting errors, modernized legislative language, and improved consistency across provincial laws without making significant policy changes.

Bill 46 - The Securities Amendment Act

Bill 46 strengthened investor protection by expanding the Manitoba Securities Commission's enforcement powers and introduced new rules governing promotional activities and disclosure documents. The legislation also created a framework for investment dispute resolution and strengthened civil liability provisions for securities misconduct.

Bill 48 - The Real Property Amendment and Planning Amendment Act (Land Conveyed for Public Purposes)

Bill 48 established a framework allowing statutory easements to be granted over certain public lands for municipal works and other approved purposes. The legislation clarified how these rights are created, registered, and maintained while preserving the public purpose of affected lands.

Bill 49 - The Business Practices Amendment Act

Bill 49 regulated the use of personalized algorithmic pricing in online sales. Businesses using artificial intelligence or consumer data to adjust prices must disclose the practice and obtain a consumer's express consent. The legislation also established new rules governing electronic shelf pricing and strengthens consumer protection enforcement.

Bill 51 - The Public Sector Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity Governance Act

Bill 51 established a framework governing the use of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity across Manitoba's public sector. Public bodies using AI will be required to implement accountability measures, manage cybersecurity risks, report significant incidents, and comply with standards established by regulation. The Act also allows the government to prohibit certain uses of artificial intelligence.

At the Manitoba Institute, we're a small team, but we're dedicated to staying on top of everything happening in the Legislature.

With your support, we can continue providing timely updates and breaking down complex issues.

So, if you value the work we do and want to help us continue delivering the information you need, please consider making a donation today.

Your generosity enables us to keep you informed and engaged in Manitoba's legislative process.

Thank you for your continued support, and stay tuned for more updates on the upcoming session!

- The Manitoba Institute Team