Keep it steady is NDP mantra

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John Woods/ The canadian press Tory Leader Hugh McFadyen (right) consults with MLA Kelvin Goertzen during throne speech. (CP)

Premier Greg Selinger is banking on a wide-ranging blueprint -- that will help put a police helicopter in the sky, bring aid to orphaned polar bears and help Manitobans get fit -- to put his stamp on the province.

Selinger's first throne speech as premier is a cautious document containing few surprises as the NDP government heads into a period of declining federal transfer payments and uncertain tax revenues from a flat economy.

The premier called it a "steady as she goes" road map for the coming year.

The biggest highlight -- and one that was not condemned by the opposition -- was confirmation the province is willing to sit down with the City of Winnipeg to negotiate the purchase of a specially outfitted police helicopter as well as the cost of operating it.

A police helicopter, with an infrared system, is estimated to cost up to $3 million and the annual operating costs will run about $1 million. The city wants the province to pick up that annual cost.

"We're willing to discuss that with them," Selinger said Monday. "If that's the final agreement we arrive at, that'll be fine. We'll work out the specifics with them."

A second law-and-order initiative came out of the blue. Selinger said the province will introduce legislation to prevent the introduction of armoured gang vehicles in the province. Police in other Canadian cities, such as Vancouver, have already seen vehicles outfitted with armour, surveillance cameras and bulletproof glass. In June, Alberta passed a law allowing police to seize armoured vehicles used by gang members.

But apart from these initiatives -- and a few others such as a new tax credit to help with the cost of fertility treatments and property tax deferrals for cottage owners -- the speech was dominated by rehashed announcements and incremental improvements to existing programs.

And there were also warnings about potential rough economic waters ahead. The government predicted Monday that the provincial economy would contract 0.2 per cent this year, compared with an average growth of 2.7 per cent in the previous five years. At the same time, Manitoba faces large unexpected costs, including $105 million to battle H1N1 influenza and $45 million for fighting last spring's flood.

"We are managing these fiscal pressures by targeting spending to priority services and tightening our belts in all other areas," said the throne speech, read by newly appointed Lt.-Gov. Philip Lee. Most government departments will spend below budget -- but the province will need to dip into its $864-million "rainy day fund" to balance the books.

Selinger told reporters the tough economic situation -- more details are to released by the end of the year -- could mean some projects are phased in slower than first anticipated. But he declined to say which ones.

He did, however, sprinkle the throne speech with promises he first made on the NDP leadership campaign trail, such as offering tuition fee rebates to post-secondary students while they're still in school and building 1,500 social-housing units over the next five years.

The speech left the opposition asking, 'Is that all?'

"It was a speech that was very long on problems and short on solutions," said Conservative Leader Hugh McFadyen, who added he found it "unbelievable" that the government failed to mention the province's "economic engine," Manitoba Hydro.

"That was quite a striking omission... It just appears to us they're so embarrassed about their record on Hydro that they can't even bring themselves to mention it in a throne speech," McFadyen said.

Winnipeg police Chief Keith McCaskill, who attended the throne speech, said Selinger's words were the first signal the province approves acquiring a helicopter for the city.

The premier said the cost of the chopper would equal 30 additional police officers.

"It's a great thing for Winnipeg," McCaskill said. "I'm really pleased that the government has said what they have said, but it will be between political powers that be as far as financing."

McCaskill said if talks go well, the helicopter could be in the air late 2010. The city has been looking at getting a helicopter for almost a decade, following the lead of Edmonton and Calgary which have had police in the sky for years.

McCaskill said despite the initial cost, it will allow police to deploy resources more effectively, particularly in pursuits, ground searches and high-priority calls that require immediate police response.

Talks are continuing within the provincial government about getting a helicopter ambulance to operate in southern Manitoba. During last spring's flood, an Alberta air ambulance company was hired to operate here, a decision many say led to the saving of two lives: a woman in a highway crash and a young boy who almost drowned in a dugout.

The cost of an air ambulance helicopter is considerable. Last week, the Saskatchewan government said it was shelving a plan to get one as it would cost more than $42 million to buy and $9 million a year to operate.

Meanwhile, McCaskill said police have not seen armoured gang vehicles in Winnipeg, but it's a good idea to get in front of a criminal trend before it becomes a problem.

bruce.owen@freepress.mb.ca larry.kusch@freepress.mb.ca

A MIXED BAG: Highlights of Monday's throne speech

Manitoba to join other provinces in seeking damages from tobacco companies as compensation for their promotion of smoking.

Maximum fines for workplace safety violations to be increased for the first time in more than a decade

Family Maintenance Act to be amended to improve enforcement payments and to create "best interest of the child" criteria applied by the courts

Legislation to prevent introduction of armoured gang vehicles in Manitoba

Legislation to create a list of known gangs to simplify court proceedings

Legislation to allow the province to deny and revoke licences of businesses that are fronts for gangs

Work with the City of Winnipeg to obtain a police helicopter

Creation of a premier's advisory council on poverty and education to examine new idea

Premier's Economic Advisory Council to host economic summit in the spring looking at skills, trade and business investment

Phasing in an adult fitness tax credit to be modelled on the $500 tax credit currently offered for children

Update Condominium Act to protect condo owners

Introduce a Home Buyer's Protection Act to assure consumers they will not need major repairs after purchase

A property tax deferral program for cottages to be introduced to help cottage owners deal with recent assessment increases

Expand recycling to include electronics and hazardous waste

New resources to speed up application process for new immigrants to six months or better

Students who live and work in Manitoba to qualify for portion of tuition fee income tax rebate

New tax credit for women and loved ones to help with cost of fertility treatment

Give municipalities power to seize vacant or derelict buildings

Develop legislation to support granny suites, an attached residence on a dwelling for an elderly parent

New legislation to protect the push for a United Nations World Heritage Site designation on the east side of Lake Winnipeg. The bill will ensure revenue by a new trust fund is used towards the project

An act will be introduced to designate Upper Fort Garry as a heritage provincial park

The Corporation Capital Tax will be completely eliminated for all businesses by the end of next year. It's already eliminated for all manufacturers and processors

Manitoba will become the country's first income tax free zone for small business next year as the province takes the final step in eliminating the small business income tax rate. It was eight per cent a decade ago

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition December 1, 2009 A4