Manitoba Minute: Issue 103

Manitoba Minute - Your weekly one-minute summary of Manitoba politics.

📅 This Week In Manitoba: 📅

• Premier Wab Kinew says the Province is considering ending the twice-yearly clock changes and plans to survey residents on whether they prefer permanent daylight or standard time. He highlighted the health impacts of the current system, noting that permanent wintertime could reduce risks like stroke and obesity, though summer daylight has its appeal. Kinew emphasized that Manitoba is not rushing to follow British Columbia, which recently moved to year-round daylight time, and pointed out that Saskatchewan and Yukon already maintain permanent standard time. Previous attempts to end the practice, including a 2019 private member’s bill and surveys, did not lead to change, and recent proposals by other provinces show the issue is being debated nationwide.
  
  
• Manitoba is moving toward right-to-repair legislation with the introduction of Bill 15, the Consumer Protection Amendment Act, which would require sellers and manufacturers to provide consumers with the parts, tools, software, and manuals needed to fix their products. Public Service Delivery Minister Mintu Sandhu said the bill is inspired by Quebec’s right-to-repair law and federal copyright provisions, aiming to protect buyers from limited repair options and planned obsolescence. The law is expected to apply first to household appliances, automotive, and agricultural equipment, giving consumers more choices and potentially lowering repair costs. Manufacturers concerned about trade secrets could require confidentiality agreements, and retailers could charge for printing repair materials. Sandhu emphasized that the bill responds to real-world frustrations, such as vehicles that can only be repaired at dealerships due to restricted software access. Progressive Conservatives have suggested the law should cover farm machinery and other goods as well. 
  
  
• Manitoba Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara is considering banning paid plasma clinics following two donor deaths at Winnipeg collection centres operated by Grifols. The fatal adverse reactions occurred within four months of each other, with one victim identified as University of Winnipeg student Rodiyat Alabede, who died in October 2025. While Health Canada and Grifols stated they have not yet found a definitive link between the deaths and the collection process, a formal review is currently underway. Currently, only Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec have legislation banning paid plasma donations. The Manitoba government intends to wait for Health Canada’s investigation to conclude before taking further action. Minister Asagwara emphasized that while public safety is the top priority, the province must also consider the national demand for plasma, which Canadian Blood Services indicates is not currently being met. All collection establishments are required to report serious reactions to federal regulators within 72 hours.
  
  
• Starting in early August, Manitoba will become the first Canadian province to require provincially regulated employers to provide free menstrual products, such as pads and tampons, in the workplace. These products must be located in washrooms or other accessible areas to foster healthier and more inclusive environments. This policy stems from recommendations made during a 2025 review of the Workplace Safety and Health Act. The estimated annual cost for employers is between $10 and $25 per worker, plus a one-time setup fee of up to $300 for dispensers. The Workplace Safety and Health Branch will oversee compliance through its existing inspection process. Supporters, including the Manitoba Federation of Labour, highlight that the move will improve affordability for employees facing financial challenges.
  
  
• Manitoba MLA Bob Lagassé has left the Progressive Conservative caucus to sit as an Independent, citing ethical concerns as his main reason for departing. Representing Dawson Trail, Lagassé said the tipping point came after the party declined to remove MLA Jeff Wharton following conflict-of-interest violations related to the Sio Silica mining project, which also involved former premier Heather Stefanson. Lagassé emphasized his focus will now be on local priorities, promising constituents a voice independent of party directives, and indicated he plans to run for re-election. His departure marks the fifth PC MLA to leave the party in four months, though unlike others, he is not retiring from politics. The Dawson Trail constituency board also resigned in support of his decision. While PC Leader Obby Khan downplayed the move as unrelated to his leadership, NDP members, including Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara, praised Lagassé for his courage and community advocacy. This shift leaves the PCs with 20 seats in the legislature, compared to 34 for the NDP and 1 for the Liberals.

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