“A stronger economy is the best pathway to better services for Manitobans,” said Finance Minister Cameron Friesen.
Tuesday’s Provincial Budget marked the first time since the 1990′s that the PC’s have tabled a budget in Manitoba. Although many feared major cuts to services, that did not prove to be the case. In fact most government departments will see an increase to spending.
The budget did not contain any new taxes or tax increases.
Balanced budget legislation will be suspended however and will be replaced in 2017 with proposed legislation that would provide Manitoba taxpayers with enforceable protection including the restoration of their right to vote on major tax increases.
The government promises a balanced budget within eight years which would put it towards the end of their second term in office.
“We have set a target of achieving balance within eight years by pursuing measures that will responsibly address the unsustainable trajectory of spending increases while ensuring the protection of front-line services for all Manitobans,” Friesen said.
Here is how it breaks down.
$890 Million Deficit projected in 2016-2017
Seniors School-Tax Rebate clawed back
Only two gov’t departments have budgets reduced, Agriculture looses $1Million, Executive Council looses $200K
Basic Personal Exemptions Index as of January 1, 2017
City of Winnipeg funding increases 2.2 Million
$220-million increase in funding for health care
37-million increase in funding for education and training
$1.8 billion for strategic infrastructure funding for roads and bridges, flood protection, hospitals, schools, universities and colleges, as well as municipal infrastructure.
$100 million increase in funding for Families
No mention of increases to Minimum Wage
-News4 Staff-
Link to Budget
http://www.gov.mb.ca/finance/budget16/papers/summary.pdf
