Manitoba Set to Pass Bills Including New Rules Against Election Disinformation

Manitoba legislators have concluded their session with the passage of several significant bills, including measures to combat election disinformation, protect social housing, and modify income tax structures.

A landmark bill introduced in March establishes substantial penalties for spreading election misinformation. Offenders could face fines up to $20,000 per day for distributing false information, including AI-generated “deepfake” videos that create convincing but fabricated depictions of candidates. The legislation also targets intentionally misleading statements about voter eligibility, election officials’ conduct, and the providers of ballots and vote-counting equipment.

The NDP government, currently leading the province, defended these measures as essential safeguards for Manitoba’s electoral system, citing concerns about electoral controversies witnessed in the United States.

“I think it’s really important that we have a legislative framework in Manitoba that strengthens our democracy. Everybody sees what’s occurring, unfortunately, down south,” said government house leader Nahanni Fontaine.

The legislation further reduces maximum contribution limits to candidates and political parties while requiring parties to implement systems for handling public complaints about their advertisements.

Another passed bill implements budget changes announced earlier this year, most notably ending the practice of indexing tax brackets to inflation. This modification has drawn sharp criticism from the Opposition Progressive Conservatives, who argue it will effectively increase tax burdens even for those whose incomes merely keep pace with inflation.

“This minister is increasing income taxes by $82 million this year,” claimed Tory finance critic Lauren Stone, highlighting the growing tension between the parties over tax policy and affordability issues.

The government has actively promoted its reduction of fuel taxes and increases to education property tax credits. Finance Minister Adrien Sala asserted that families across Manitoba are experiencing savings from these measures. However, credit rating agency S&P Global offered a contrary assessment earlier this year, suggesting that revenue increases from income tax changes and the elimination of a property tax rebate outweigh the government’s tax-saving initiatives.

Social housing protection was addressed in another passed bill, which will require owners of many government-funded housing units to obtain provincial consent before selling their buildings. The Progressive Conservatives expressed concern that this requirement could discourage homebuilders, while the government maintained it was necessary to preserve affordable housing options following ownership changes.

The legislature also formalized a policy mandating the daily playing of O Canada in schools. Notably, the bill eliminates a seldom-used provision requiring the playing of God Save the King, following controversy with a school division earlier this year.

Not all government initiatives made it through the legislative process. A bill that would have required judicial review whenever the government invokes the notwithstanding clause to override Charter rights was introduced too late in the session to receive a vote. Under the proposed legislation, the Court of Appeal would have been empowered to comment on such actions, though not to strike down the legislation. Fontaine indicated that this bill would be reintroduced when the next session begins on November 18.

The conclusion of this legislative session marks significant policy shifts in Manitoba, particularly regarding electoral integrity, tax structure, and social housing protections. The changes reflect the current government’s priorities while setting the stage for continued debate on these issues when legislators reconvene later this month.