The Manitoba government has introduced multiple pieces of legislation that would amend several acts on Tuesday, March 14, 2023.
Amendments to The Fair Registration Practices in Regulated Professions Act would reducduce barriers to labour mobility and improve the provinces ability to recruit and retain skilled workers. The new act would support Manitoba’s Skills, Talent and Knowledge Strategy by attracting talent to Manitoba through quick labour mobility licensing and improved qualification recognition.
Education Administration Amendment Act will implement a transparent, accountable process to define, prevent and address teacher misconduct.
The proposed legislation would define a comprehensive spectrum of behaviours that constitute misconduct. An independent commissioner would be established to investigate and respond to reports of misconduct and other concerns. The legislation would also create a public registry of teachers that provides information on the status of a teacher’s certificate.
“The Education Administration Amendment Act builds on actions already taken in Manitoba to improve student safety and we will continue to work with stakeholders to find new ways to address and prevent misconduct in the education sector,” said Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister Wayne Ewasko.
The Police Services Amendment Act would expand the scope and authority of community safety officers. The proposed amendments to the Police Services Act would expand the scope and authority of community safety officers to enforce provincial statutes and bylaws, and to respond to a range of lower-risk incidents that do not require investigative or tactical interventions, freeing up police to respond to violent and complex crime.
“These amendments would allow the City of Winnipeg the option to create a team of community safety officers that can be dedicated to transit safety and allow other municipalities to better protect their communities,” said Justice Minister Kelvin Goertzen.
The Addictions Services Act would establish licensing that would ensure all addictions services in the province follow new quality standards of care and would apply to providers offering bed-based treatment, withdrawal management and other addictions and harm reduction services.
To become provincially licensed, service providers would need to follow requirements related to quality standards, safety and security of individuals and communities, and staff qualifications and competencies.
“Manitobans have told us they want confidence in addictions services,” said Mental Health and Community Wellness Minister Janice Morley-Lecomte. “This legislation would improve transparency and ensure these services are safe and accountable to individuals and their families.”
