Manitoba Minute: Metropolitan Region, Idaho Stop, and Free Birth Control

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

This Week In Manitoba:

• Bike safety advocates are urging the provincial government to adopt the "Idaho stop" law, which would allow cyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs. They argue that this change would improve safety by enabling cyclists to maintain momentum and reduce the risk of being hit from behind. The law, already implemented in some U.S. states, has reportedly led to better safety outcomes in areas where cyclists and drivers share the road. However, some, including a former police officer and cycling instructor, oppose the change, fearing cyclists might ignore stop signs altogether. The province has not yet indicated whether it will consider the proposal.
  
  
• Starting October 1st, all Manitobans with a prescription will have access to free birth control under the Province's pharmacare program. This initiative will cover approximately 60 different birth control products, including pills, IUDs, and hormone injections. While the coverage excludes the morning-after pill, further evaluations are being conducted to determine its future inclusion. The program is expected to cost the province about $11 million annually.
  
  
• The Manitoba Book Awards, which have honoured local writers for 35 years, are being discontinued due to financial and logistical challenges faced by the organizing bodies. Despite efforts from community groups, the decision was made after a feasibility study revealed that the program is unsustainable. While the Awards are going dormant, organizers remain hopeful that new initiatives will emerge to support Manitoba’s literary community in the future. The decision will be discussed at the Carol Shields Auditorium at Millennium Library on August 28th and 29th, beginning at 6:30 pm each night. Those wishing to attend are asked to register online.

Last Week In Manitoba:

• Manitoba's government announced upcoming legislation allowing municipalities to opt out of the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region. This move would permit municipalities to withdraw from the Plan 20-50 framework, which aimed to harmonize regulations but faced opposition from several municipalities concerned about losing local autonomy and increased costs. The Province is also reviewing the powers of the municipal board, which can override local land use decisions.
  
  
• The University of Manitoba hosted a White Coat Ceremony, welcoming its largest-ever class of 140 medical students. This traditional event marks the students' entry into the medical profession, symbolized by the presentation of their first white coats, which represent professionalism, responsibility, and a commitment to patient care. Many of these students expressed a strong desire to serve in rural communities, where doctor shortages are a significant issue. The Province is also working to bolster healthcare staffing, with plans to hire more physicians and increase residency positions.
  
  
• The Province has appointed 19 lawyers to King’s Counsel (KC), recognizing their excellence in the legal profession. Among the notable recipients is Murray Sinclair, acclaimed for his work in Indigenous rights and reconciliation. The KC title, granted by the Lieutenant-Governor in Council, is awarded based on recommendations from a panel of legal and public representatives. The official ceremony for the 2023 and 2024 appointees is scheduled for September 12th.