Steve Lambert, The Canadian Press

Manitoba's new Opposition leader says his party wants changes and clarity on a bill by the NDP government that would add gender expression to the province's human rights code.

The bill, now making its way through the legislature, would include protections for people to be called by their preferred pronouns.

Progressive Conservative Leader Obby Khan said Tuesday he has heard concerns by some members of the public who fear people could face a complaint for addressing someone by the wrong gender.

Manitoba's new Opposition leader apologized Monday for election campaign advertisements the Progressive Conservative party ran in the last election that promoted their decision to not search a landfill for the remains of two murder victims.

Obby Khan used his first legislature speech since winning the Tory leadership on April 26 to say sorry to the victims' families and to promise a new tone from his party.

Manitoba's Progressive Conservatives have elected Obby Khan as their new leader.

Khan, a former cabinet minister and pro football player, was chosen by party members over Wally Daudrich, a hotel owner and longtime party board member, in a tight race.

Daudrich garnered 53 more votes than Khan, according to results posted to the party's website.

But under the party's system that uses points for each constituency, Khan won with 50.4 per cent overall to Daudrich's 49.6 per cent.

Dozens of people lined up Thursday night to air opposition to and support for Manitoba's plan to add gender expression to the human rights code — a move that would include protections for people to be called by their preferred pronouns.

Derek deVries, pastor at Park City Gospel Church in Winnipeg, said the NDP government's bill would force Christians to go against their beliefs.

"This (proposed) law forbids Christians from following Christ's example. It requires speech he would not permit," deVries told a legislature committee.

Manitoba's energy regulator has approved higher natural gas prices.

The Public Utilities Board says rates for a typical residential customer will rise 12.4 per cent, or about $73 a year, starting May 1.

The board says the increase is due to several market factors, including reduced natural gas storage levels in North America following a colder winter.

Higher demand for liquefied natural gas was also cited.

Gas rates are reviewed regularly and the next review is slated for August. 

The Speaker of the Manitoba legislature has apologized for saying an Opposition question was out of line and is threatening to toss politicians from the chamber if chaotic behaviour continues.

Tom Lindsey issued the apology a day after question period descended into a shouting match.

Tempers flared at the Manitoba legislature Tuesday as the Opposition Progressive Conservatives questioned the NDP government about a contract for mental health therapy, suggesting it may have been for the benefit of Finance Minister Adrien Sala.

Tory Greg Nesbitt tabled a document that shows the Finance department recently signed a contract for $10,205 with a counselling services provider in Winnipeg. The provider advertises services including stress management, grief counselling and conflict resolution.

The premiers of Manitoba and Nunavut are hopeful a proposed hydroelectric and fibre optic project is moving closer to fruition and are seeking federal money.

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew and Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok have signed a memorandum to work together on the project and ask Ottawa for capital funding.

The proposed Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link would see a 1,200-kilometre line built through northern Manitoba to several Nunavut communities west of Hudson Bay that currently use diesel to generate electricity.

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew has discussed increased trade with representatives from Europe and appears open to having a second port on Hudson Bay.

Kinew met this morning with ambassadors and high commissioners from the European Union and 18 member countries.

He says the meeting was a chance to show the countries, which represent a market of 450 million people, that Manitoba is open for business.

Some of the bills now before the Manitoba legislature will have to wait until the fall to be passed into law.

The Opposition Progressive Conservatives have exercised their right under legislature rules to hold back five bills for further debate beyond the summer break.

One bill would forbid liquor licences in urban convenience stores and gas stations — a move the Tories say will affect small businesses and customer choice in the few locations where such licences have been issued.