Current rules of the legislature do not expressly forbid bills from being introduced in this way, which is shocking and needs to be changed, says another open letter, this one from the grassroots group Communities Not Cuts Manitoba.

“This is unprecedented, undemocratic, undermines the intent of our political system and sets a dangerous precedent for future governments,” the letter states.

The process severely limits the ability of opposition MLAs and the public to engage with the content of the bills before they move from first reading to the next stage of the legislative process, the letter says.

The 19 bills are set to go to second reading later this month.

“They’ve created a real and unnecessary fear amongst community stakeholders who will be directly impacted by this mystery legislation,” said Mike Moroz, a spokesperson for Communities Not Cuts.

“Manitobans have a right to be able to see and comment on the work of their government. How can we possibly trust a government that hides its agenda in this way?”

Source: Manitoba government’s tabling of 19 ‘mystery’ bills called ‘unprecedented, undemocratic’ | CBC News