Embattled education bill will not move forward under new Manitoba premier

Manitoba'scontroversial education reform bill,as well as four other pieces of legislation delayed by the Opposition NDP, will be scrapped, interim Premier Kelvin Goertzen announced on Wednesday.

"This really is about setting that clean slate for a leader;that's really why it's important to remove these five bills," Goertzen said at his first public appearance since being sworn in.

Goertzen, who will lead the province for the next two months, wants to leave important decisions, such as anyeducation reform, to the person selected as the Progressive Conservatives' next leader and premier in a vote on Oct. 30.

Bill 64proposed sweeping changes that woulddissolveEnglish-language school boards and centralizedecision-making with government, relying heavily on parents and guardians to volunteer their time instead of paid trustees.

The overhaul was unpopular in many circles, motivatingnumerous campaigns against the bill andthousands of lawn signs across the province.

WATCH | WhyGoertzen wants to startwith a 'clean slate':

Kelvin Goertzen on why bills are being withdrawn

3 years ago

Duration 0:40

Interim Premier Kelvin Goertzen says the future of the withdrawn legislation will be up to the new leader of Manitoba's Progressive Conservatives.

Goertzen says"many good things"arose out of the K-12 review that formed the basis of Bill 64, butheacknowledged the legislation was at odds with the review.

"To the extent thatI heard criticism, it was maybe that there was a movement away too far from the report," hesaid.

In addition to Bill 64, four other government bills delayed by theNDP will not move forward.

One bill would crack down on protests interfering with critical infrastructure, such as rail lines, and another would temporarily let the government set electricity rates.

A bill scrapping therequirement for binding arbitration after a 60-day dispute between a union and employer is no more. Critics argued the fourth bill may have led to the privatization of liquor sales.

NDP Leader Wab Kinew celebrated the demise of the bills, which he suggested was the "most consequential bill delay" in Manitoba's history.

"What we saw today is a clear indication from the PC government in its current iteration that they've bent to the will of Manitobans who wanted to see Bill 64 abandoned, and who wanted to see these other bills at least delayed, if not outright killed," Kinew said.

Goertzensaidthere will be a brief fall sitting in the Manitoba Legislature over a few days, whenthefive bills will be discarded and necessary budgetary matters will be passed.

"I know that the role that I have is one that's primarily viewed as one of caretaker a new premier will be selected forManitobansin 60 days.But I also know that these are times that will still require significant decisions," Goertzen said.

His address camehours after former premierBrian Pallister'sformal resignation on Wednesday.

Goertzen was sworn in earlier Wednesdayduring a private ceremony with his wife, son and mother in attendance.

He was raised by a single mother after his father, who struggled with substance abuse,died at 33 of his addiction. Goertzen was 11 at the time. Goertzen said his family was fortunate to live in government housing at the time.

Goertzen described his short stint as premier as an honour, but said "the greatest role that I will ever have is that of a husband and a father."

The Progressive Conservativecaucus voted Goertzen to serve in the role on Tuesday, with caucus chair Greg Nesbittsayingin a statement that party MLAsdecided unanimouslythat hewas the best choice.

Goertzen, who has been an MLA for Steinbachsince 2003,will be Manitoba's 23rd premier for a two-month term, at which point one of the candidates running to replace Pallister will be selected.

The new premier signalled he will take a different approachthan his predecessor, who rarely had meetings with stakeholders.

In his first few hours as premier, Goertzen spokewith Grand Chief Arlen Dumaswith the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs,Association of Manitoba Municipalities president Kam Blight, Manitoba NDP Leader Wab Kinew and Winnipeg Mayor Brian Bowman.

"Over the next two months that I have the honour of serving in this role, I look forward to reaching out to as many people as I can, to opening up the premier's office and to hearing people's views and ideas," he said.

"I intend to be quick to listen and slow to speak."

Goertzen on vaccine mandates

Goertzen recognizes he's stepping into a leadership role at a difficult time when there's heightened tension between Manitobans over mandatory COVID-19 vaccines in certain settings. The animosity between communities is worrying, he said.

He hopes people will realize the end goal is to keep businesses, schools and houses of worship open.

WATCH | Goertzen says he supports the vaccine mandate:

Interim Premier Kelvin Goertzen on why vaccine mandates are necessary

3 years ago

Duration 1:30

Kelvin Goertzen says he thinks COVID-19 vaccine mandates are important for getting life back to normal in Manitoba.

"I will continue as best as I can to encourage people to get vaccinated," he said.

"I think we have to do it in a way that isn't shaming and pitting communitiesagainst each other and calling each other names. I don't think that's going to change hesitancy, I think that's going to create hostility."

The PC governmentannounced last week that people must be fully vaccinated in order to access a variety of services, starting on Friday.

It's also requiringmost provincial health-care employees, teachers and child-care workers to be fully vaccinated, or undergo testing up to three times a week. Those workers have until Oct. 17toreceive two vaccine doses.

Two MLAs with the Progressive ConservativesJosh Guenter and James Teitsma have publicly denounced the vaccine mandates, each arguing they go too far in restricting people's freedoms.

Goertzencalled for unity and saidhe's spoken with Guenter and Teitsma about caucus being the proper forum for dissent.

Families Minister Rochelle Squires will serve as deputy premier.

WATCH | Full news conference for Sept. 1, 2021:

Interim Premier Kelvin Goertzen speaks to reporters

3 years ago

Duration 57:55

Kelvin Goertzen gave his first news conference as interim premier Wednesday afternoon.