Throne speech kicks off Manitoba legislative session Monday
CBC will provide information as it becomes available
The first session of the 41st Manitoba legislature is scheduled to start Monday afternoon.
Newly minted Premier Brian Pallister leads the first Progressive Conservative government in Manitoba since the party was defeated in the 1999 provincial election.
Pallister's Tories captured 40 of the 57 legislature seats in the April 19 election — the biggest majority in Manitoba in a century — and now face opposition New Democrat and Liberal parties both searching for new leaders.
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As a result, it will take some time before they can effectively challenge the government, giving the Tories an easy time in the legislature for at least a year or two, says Paul Thomas, professor emeritus of political studies.
The new legislative session begins at 1 p.m. CT. An important part of is the throne speech, which outlines the government's plan for the coming year, and will be read by Lt.-Gov. Janice Filmon.
Those around Pallister have been tight-lipped about what the speech will contain, though it is expected to hit themes the Tories campaigned on, such as referendums for tax hikes and task forces to find efficiencies in government.
Pallister also campaigned on cutting taxes but signalled last week that will be a tougher job than first thought. He said the fiscal hole Manitoba is in is deeper than the previous government, led by the NDP, let on.
An update on Manitoba's fiscal health will be made by the finance minister on Wednesday, while the provincial budget is coming May 31, Pallister said Monday ahead of the throne speech.
With files from The Canadian Press