Manitoba Justice Minister Cliff Cullen announced on Thursday, December 6, 2018, that new legislation was introduced that would establish rules for conducting referendums on matters of public performance.
The bill sets out clear rules, according to the minister, that would determine how a referendum is called, how it is paid for and how it is conducted including how the actual question is worded. It also sets out rules relating to spending limits for campaigns related to the referendums for individuals and political parties, defines restrictions on government advertising and sets rules to ensure that voting is done the same way a provincial election is done.
The new legislation sets out which government actions would require a referendum. Specifically, the bill states that a referendum is required before implementing a significant change to the provincial voting scheme and before the Manitoba Legislative Assembly can vote on changes to the Canadian Constitution. Major tax increases or privatization of public utilities like Manitoba Hydro and Manitoba Public Insurance would also trigger a referendum under the new law.
“These changes will guarantee that any referendums conducted in Manitoba are fair, accountable and transparent,” said Cullen. “It will strengthen democracy in our province and ensure that referendum results reflect the true views of our citizens.”
© 2018 News 4
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