The speech, 14 pages long in its French version, presents the first attempts by the government of Ms. Stefanson to distance itself from its predecessor, Brian Pallister.
At an embargoed press conference Tuesday afternoon, before the speech was delivered by Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba Janice Filmon, the premier said Manitobans want a change in the way things are done
, while acknowledging that the Pallister government was responsible for some of the successes.
I believe there is a better way of doing things, a more collaborative way
, said Ms Stefanson.
Heather Stefanson wants to stand out on reconciliation
His speech begins with the key issue that led to the fall of former Prime Minister Brian Pallister: reconciliation. Unlike her predecessor, Ms. Stefanson opens the speech with territorial recognition, a practice never implemented by the province but which has already been adopted by many organizations and entities in Manitoba.
She says this speech marks a new start for all of us
, with a government that has the will to listen
and who is open to dialogue.
We are determined to foster collaboration, cooperation and reconciliation
, indicates the document. Now it is critical to listen, foster healing and bring Manitobans together.
In the speech, the province affirms its determination to work with Indigenous peoples to achieve common goals and promote truth and reconciliation
. Ms. Stefanson is committed to building on meaningful consultations and dialogues with Indigenous leaders.
Our government recognizes the serious harm caused by residential schools and colonization
, she continues.
The document also specifies that the government will take into account inquiries, such as those on missing and murdered indigenous women and girls, as well as the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, in its decisions.
The province is also committed to enhancing its partnership with Ottawa to improve infrastructure on reserves and other communities.
The pandemic and health at the heart of its future actions
The province also reiterates its commitment, announced during the summer, to create 400 places to train nurses in universities. What is new is that around 20 of them will be trained at the University College of the North in Thompson. According to the speech, the Northern Health Region promises to hire all new graduates from the program in 2023.
In addition, we will ensure that every graduate is offered a job here in Manitoba. Further details will be communicated later
, can we read in the document.
The government intends to tackle health care in rural areas. We will re-examine the reforms and changes proposed for facilities in rural Manitoba to ensure that people have access to health care regardless of geographic location.
, is it written.
At a press conference, Ms. Stefanson said COVID-19 has changed the game, and that the province must listen to municipalities to make sure you get it right
with regard to health care in rural areas.
She did not, however, pledge not to close any health care facilities, but stressed that accessing healthcare close to home is a priority
for his government.
The province also wants to increase the list of types of cancer considered to be occupational diseases among firefighters. The Winnipeg Fire Union had endorsed Heather Stefanson’s candidacy during her leadership campaign.
The Speech from the Throne reiterates several previous commitments by the Prime Minister on increasing critical care capacity and creating a task force to tackle surgical delays.
The Doctors Manitoba Association of Physicians estimates that more than 136,000 surgeries and medical procedures are postponed.
Commitments with few details
The province will also work on a homelessness strategy over the winter using a whole-of-government approach to consultations with Manitobans
.
The Prime Minister also intends to develop a renewed strategy for the elderly
, invest more in shelters for families struggling with violence, and develop an economic recovery plan that prioritizes single-parent families, Aboriginal youth and people with disabilities.
The government is also committed to ensuring that agricultural producers and food processors have access to sufficient water.
The government wants to reach an agreement with the City of Winnipeg to fund improvements to its largest drinking water treatment plant.
On the economic front, the Prime Minister pledges to develop strategic frameworks for venture capital and green energy, to increase and target immigration, to invest more in training and to work towards better recognition of qualifications. professional qualifications obtained abroad.
The Speech from the Throne also commits to changing the funding formula for post-secondary education, without providing more details.
More information to come in the coming months
At a press conference, when reporters demanded details about funding for Winnipeg’s North End water treatment plant, incentives for new nurses and various other issues, Stefanson simply responded. stay tuned
.
She preferred to speak out on the broad directions of her government, ensuring that specific programs and measures will be unveiled in the coming months.
We take a responsible approach [en ce qui concerne le budget], but balanced, to ensure programs are there for Manitobans when they need them
, said the Prime Minister.
I don’t believe balancing the budget overnight is the best thing for us
, she added.
In addition, the Prime Minister did not hide her irritation after the Speech from the Throne leaked to the press, CBC having obtained a copy Monday evening.
This is completely unacceptable, we are investigating right now, we will clarify this and there will be consequences, actions will be taken
, she said, without specifying the type of consequences.
With information from CBC
