Bill 232 - The Public Schools Amendment Act (Anaphylaxis Policies) Receives Royal Assent

As many of you are aware, Ms. Erin Selby (MLA for Southdale) from the very beginning supported Bill 232.

In fact, it was Ms. Selby who first presented this Private Member's Bill on May 12, 2008 in the Manitoba Legislature. The second reading of Bill 232 occured on June 12, 2008 with the Bill proceeding to the Committee stage on September 18, 2008. We were honored to be present in the gallery of the Manitoba Legislature when Bill 232 was read by Ms. Selby for the third and final time and passed on October 6, 2008. Finally, we are pleased to report Bill 232 received Royal Assent on October 9, 2008.

We are thankful to all MAIN members who spoke so candidly with us about their difficult experiences working within the Manitoba public school system to ensure a safe environment for children with anaphylaxis.

We are thankful to our provincial government for really listening to us. In less than a year after our initial meeting with the government, we have legislation in Manitoba protecting our children with anaphylaxis while they are at public school. We are very lucky and truly grateful as citizens of this great province to have such a responsive provincial government!

We are thankful for Ms. Selby and her staff for supporting our advocacy group. Without Ms. Selby's efforts and sponsorship of Bill 232, these important legislative changes would not have been possible.

Finally, we are most thankful our children will be safer. Public schools are now accountable through legislation for helping us as parents to ensure our children are safe while they are at school!