About Us

The Honourable George Hickes, Speaker of the Manitoba Legislative Assembly, initiated discussions at an exploratory meeting in 2001 to see if there was enough interest in forming an association along the lines of those already established in BC, Ontario, and Quebec, as well as at the federal level with former Parliamentarians. Because of the positive response, a founding meeting was held on September 25, 2001. It was agreed that the Association should seek incorporation by an Act of the Manitoba Legislature. Subsequently, the Association presented the required petition requesting incorporation, and later, executive members of the Association communicated with the caucuses of the three existing political parties to explain the purpose of the Association and the need for legislation.

Our Mandate: 

The goals of the Association of Former Manitoba MLAS Association, as outlined in Bill 30, our founding legislation, passed unanimously by the Assembly, are as follows: 
         1. To put the knowledge and experience of its members at the service of parliamentary democracy in Manitoba and elsewhere;
         2. To serve the public interest by providing non-partisan support for the parliamentary system of government in Manitoba;
         3. To foster a spirit of community among former MLAs; and

          4. To foster good relations between current and former MLAs.

As you know, all former MLAs automatically become members of the FMLAs. The Association is non-partisan and the participation of former members has reflected that fact. Although not everyone has participated in Association activities, many of you participated in the Association’s lunch hour presentations on various topics. These were well attended and the Association is eager to once again engage former members, and the larger community, in open and respectful dialogue.

Many of you have sensed a deterioration in both the style and substance of public debate recently. As former members, we know the value of open and honest debate, and, yes, even passionate debate. The Executive would like you to join us in making thoughtful, informative debate a continuing practice in Manitoba. Debate does not have to be relentlessly partisan, nor does it have to be divisive. It can be respectful and informative. We believe it is essential that the spectrum of ideas and views that make society and democracy work need to be shared. 

Your experience in the legislature and understanding of the issues make your involvement important. Former members can be role models and leaders for others yet to get involved in the democratic process. Your active support of the Association and help us create a way forward that will honour our the democratic tradition and encourage the broader participation, particularly of young people. 
 

There has been no inflation in our request for financial support. While belonging to the Association is automatic, since its inaugural meeting members have been asked to consider a $50 annual, or $500 life-time, contribution be considered.

​By 2006, agreement was achieved with all three caucuses and a Bill was introduced and passed establishing the Association as a non-profit corporation. Royal Assent was given on June 13, 2006.

The Bill outlined the objectives of the Association including the desire to serve the public interest by providing non-partisan support for the parliamentary system of government. Other objectives included fostering a spirit of community among former MLAs and promoting good relations between current and former MLAs.

The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly was deemed to be the Honourary President of the Association.The Board of Directors would be elected at the annual meeting and officers would be chosen in accordance with the by-laws of the Association.

​Over the years, the Association has developed a series of functions and meetings in keeping with its objective of promoting parliamentary democracy in a non-partisan fashion. Presently, apart from the Annual Meeting which occurs toward the end of the calendar year, the Association sponsors two discussion group meetings where prominent or expert individuals are invited to speak on various political, economic and social issues. We also sponsor a reception and “Bear Pit” session at the annual Youth Parliament of Manitoba held in the Legislative Assembly between Christmas and New Year. This involves having a few former MLAs available to answer a variety of questions posed by the young parliamentarians. In addition, a reception is sponsored in the Fall of each year for members and their partners hosted in alternating years by the Lieutenant Governor and the Speaker of the Assembly.

​Finally, to help us keep in touch, we publish a newsletter several times each year with members being given an opportunity to write articles and provide information on their current activities.