The MLA for Steinbach refers to it as a surreal experience.

Kelvin Goertzen used that term to describe what it was like this last week to have all MLAs in Manitoba eligible to be in the House for the first time in two years. The spring sitting of the Manitoba Legislature kicked off this last week.

Because of his roles with the Conservative Government, in the last two years, Goertzen has been in the House every day except for four that the House has been sitting. During that time there has been a reduced sitting schedule, but this week all MLAs were invited back.

"For the first five minutes I would say it was a little surreal because it hasn't happened for two years and then it became very normal again," says Goertzen. "And it's great."

He notes having all MLAs present creates a much better environment and is more desirable for debating topics.

According to Goertzen, the spring sitting is usually dominated by the budget. A date has not yet been set, but Goertzen says historically our provincial budget is presented sometime between late March and mid-April.

There will also be a lot of legislation introduced in the coming weeks. In fact, Goertzen alone has about 15 pieces of legislation that he will be bringing forward. He notes that is an exceptionally high number for a minister. However, that is a combination of bills from his current portfolio of Justice Minister and his former ministry with Legislative and Public Affairs.

Goertzen highlights two pieces of legislation that should be introduced shortly. He notes one of them has to do with family law reform, noting his government is looking for ways to keep family law matters out of the courts as much as possible. Then, with regards to policing, Goertzen says changes need to be made to modernize the policing act.