WINNIPEG — Manitoba’s NDP government outlined its plans for the coming year in its second Speech from the Throne since taking office.

He announced that he would freeze Manitoba Hydro’s electricity rates for one year starting in 2025, fulfilling one of his election campaign promises.

Prime Minister Wab Kinew also said the government would consider introducing legislation to combat anti-competitive contracts that make groceries more expensive.

A new law is to be ordered for the lawn in front of the Legislative Assembly building to replace the Queen Victoria Lawn which was toppled by protesters on Canada Day in 2021.

Kinew says the new statue will depict a mother bison and her calf as a reminder of the sacred bonds of family that were undermined during the residential school era.

The government will also work with cultural institutions, museums and history and heritage experts to find the best way to display the decapitated and painted statue of Queen Victoria.

The Speech from the Throne reiterated the government’s efforts to address the challenges of the health system, family budgets and public safety, which, according to the province, remain a priority.

He said he would release a new plan to combat long emergency room wait times and add 800 new hip and knee surgeries to Selkirk Hospital.

The legislature is scheduled to sit until Dec. 5 and recess until March.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published November 19, 2024.

Brittany Hobson, The Canadian Press