WINNIPEG -- Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger is promising new help for post-secondary students, a faster highway speed limit, and new restrictions on tanning beds in his NDP government's throne speech.
But amid a caucus revolt, it is unclear whether Selinger will be around to see the promises through to fruition.
The 21-page throne speech offers small, measured promises that Selinger said are supported by his 35 fellow NDP legislature members.
"You'd have to ask caucus that," Selinger said Thursday when asked whether he had the support of his caucus.
"What do you think?" a reporter asked.
"Yes," the premier quickly replied.
The throne speech promises include an end to interest on post-secondary student loans, a ban on the use of tanning beds by minors, and a new, higher bridge at Morris to prevent flooding on the main highway linking Winnipeg with the United States.
The government will also raise the speed limit to 110 km/h from 100 km/h on the Trans-Canada Highway all the way from the Saskatchewan boundary to Winnipeg, Selinger said. Currently, the higher limit only covers a small section near the interprovincial boundary.
There will be a new law to fight zebra mussels in Lake Winnipeg, a new law to cover post-traumatic stress disorder for emergency responders and a new agency to promote energy efficiency that will be separate from Manitoba Hydro, the Crown-owned utility.
The premier said the promises are affordable and will not derail the government's promise to wipe out the deficit by the 2016-17 fiscal year. There are some cost-cutting measures in the throne speech, such as a plan to reduce the amount of leased office space by 9,290 square metres.
The throne speech kicks off a short two-week fall sitting in which Selinger leads a divided caucus. Five of his most senior cabinet ministers resigned recently, but remain in the NDP caucus and have said they will not vote with the opposition to bring down the government.
The five rebels, along with one backbencher and two senior NDP executive members, have all called on Selinger to resign in the wake of low polling numbers and continued public anger over last year's increase to the provincial sales tax.
Selinger has vowed to carry on, and the NDP executive is working to organize a leadership contest at the party's annual convention March 6. So far, none of the rebels has declared a leadership bid.
Selinger has been keen to stress the government is continuing to function as usual despite the internal turmoil. He said the throne speech paves a way forward for the province.
"Mantobans have told us they want to see investments in infrastructure and more opportunities for young people while providing front-line services to families. This throne speech embraces that vision."
