Views from folks at The Forks

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 13/04/2011 (5266 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

In the midst of a Manitoba flood season — and a deficit budget — a wave of tax cuts are coming to Manitobans.

On Tuesday, the province announced $65 million in tax cuts for property owners, families and businesses, even as it plans to run a $438 million deficit.

Around Winnipeg on Tuesday afternoon, many Manitobans said they were too busy trying to take care of their own finances to keep an eye on the government’s.

But 63-year-old Dan Johnson, who had to retire a few years ago after a serious injury, was just happy to hear the Pharmacare prescription deductible would remain tied to inflation in this year’s budget.

“They’ve done a good job with that,” he said, adding he had heard the province might cut back on senior spending such as the drug program. “I’m grateful for Pharmacare.”

Others were wholly skeptical.

“I don’t trust them,” one man said of the NDP and its budget, which pledges an increase to the provincial education property tax credit, among others. He declined to view the list of cuts.

But at The Forks, those who did check out the pledged cuts seemed pleased.

MANFRED KEIL

Keil, a retired former provincial finance worker, who also worked in politics with the Conservatives, approved of the cuts.

“(There are things here) for older persons like myself,” he said, pointing at the increased education property tax credit for seniors, which will rise to $950 from $800 for 2011-12.

“It seems these figures look good — these are substantive increases. They’re not Mickey Mouse figures. The Green Energy Equipment Tax Credit (for business, increase to 15 per cent from 10 per cent) seems to be good, but these geothermal heating systems are so costly, I don’t know whether this is particularly effective.”

Does he think it will impact the provincial vote next fall? Keil said that he thinks Premier Greg Selinger is still carrying the momentum-making system of his predecessor, Gary Doer.

LORETTA MARTIN and JANICE CHING

Ching chose to move to Manitoba in 2008, after previously living in Alberta and abroad; she and Martin both teach English to refugees via a special Red River College program.

Looking over the list of tax cuts and credits, the friends seemed pleased.

“I like a lot of these,” Martin said. “I don’t know if any of this will really affect me, but I really like the Children’s Arts and Cultural Activity Tax Credit. Its really hard for kids when they want to participate but can’t… My daughter teaches dance, and a little girl in her class had to withdraw because her family couldn’t afford it.”

Ching, who does not have children, also applauded the credit. “It seems like so much is invested in sports. It’s nice to see the arts included.”

Does this list of cuts impact how they might vote in the upcoming provincial election?

“I don’t think much about (tax cuts),” Ching said. “As long as I’m happy with the previous government, I like to see them come back.”

Martin was on a similar wavelength. “I’m more inclined to support the philosopy, and hope the programs follow that.”

melissa.martin@freepress.mb.ca