Manitoba Minute: Machete Sales, Firth House, and Tax Holiday Ends

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

This Week In Manitoba:

• New regulations on the sale of machetes and long-blade weapons in Manitoba are now in effect, requiring retailers to store these items in a manner that prevents customer access without assistance. Sales are restricted to adults with photo ID, and businesses must keep records of transactions for two years. Exemptions to the law include hedge trimmers, pruning shears, and saws. The legislation was introduced in response to a series of violent attacks in Winnipeg involving machetes and knives.
  
  
• Manitoba's gas tax holiday is officially over. The Province had suspended the 14-cent-a-litre fuel tax earlier in 2024 and extended the break throughout the year. The tax rate is now set at 12.5 cents per litre, following a 10% discount.
  
  
• Premier Wab Kinew is considering financial aid for Manitobans who may face economic challenges due to potential US tariffs or other policies from incoming President Donald Trump. Trump has proposed a 25% tariff on Canadian imports unless measures are taken to address border crossings and drug trafficking. While no specific measures have been announced, the Premier indicated that affordability initiatives are being explored to help families navigate potential economic uncertainty.

Last Week In Manitoba:

• Premier Wab Kinew announced that work is underway on a bill aimed at protecting provincial elections from interference, which includes issues like forged images, videos, and foreign influence. The draft bill, expected to be introduced in early 2025, will address concerns about ensuring free and fair elections. Existing laws already penalize false information dissemination and impersonation, but Kinew is considering expanding these laws to cover false details about election officials, processes, and voter eligibility. The Premier is also focused on combating new challenges like "deepfakes" and artificial intelligence content.
  
  
• A fire destroyed the historic Firth House, also known as Hay House, in St. Andrews. Built in 1861 and designated a Provincial Heritage Site in 1987, the home was tied to Louis Riel’s provisional government and served as a rare example of Red River Settlement stone architecture. The house had fallen into disrepair, prompting concerns from local historians. Over 30 firefighters responded to the blaze, which left the house completely destroyed but caused no injuries.
  
  
• David Moriaux resigned from the Prairie Mountain Health Board, citing concerns over the Manitoba government's approach to healthcare funding and accusations of overspending by health authorities. He criticized the government for focusing on administrative cuts and reliance on expensive private agency nurses while demanding a balanced budget. The Health Minister did not directly address these claims, instead blaming previous governments for systemic issues.