WINNIPEG – The Manitoba government has introduced bills in the legislature aimed at cracking down on machetes, reducing the use of sick notes and enacting other measures promised in its throne speech last fall.
Among more than a dozen bills introduced today is one to ban machetes and other long-blade weapons in public areas such as parks and schools.
Another bill would ban employers from requiring sick notes from workers unless they are absent for more than seven consecutive days or 10 days over a year.
The Manitoba Legislature in Winnipeg, Saturday, August 30, 2014. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods
A third bill would set up new licensing rules for selling animals, and increase fines for people who mistreat animals.
Yet another bill would increase some licence suspensions and other penalties for impaired drivers.
The NDP government is planning to introduce more than 30 bills in total for debate this year, and is set to deliver its budget March 24.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 5, 2026