Stefanson promises ‘very good budget for Manitobans’ March 7

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This article was published 24/02/2023 (974 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Progressive Conservative government’s final budget before Manitoba voters go to the ballot box will be tabled March 7.

The legislature resumes for the spring session March 1.

“(I’m) very excited in terms of what we’ll see moving forward for Manitobans,” Premier Heather Stefanson said. “I think it’s going to be a very good budget for Manitobans.”

Stefanson said to expect “significant investments” across the board in health care, education and social services. Some additional tax breaks are also in the works.

“We know that Manitobans are in need right now, that’s why we announced the $200 million to go back to Manitobans immediately,” Stefanson said, referring to cheques ranging from $225 to $375 mailed to most households this week.

“But you’ll see more relief coming forward in the next budget.”

In the throne speech delivered in November, the Tories hinted at a loosening of the purse strings ahead of the election set for Oct. 3.

The government has made several promises ahead of the budget, including the release of a long-awaited homelessness strategy early this year with funding for non-profit organizations, an overhaul of home-care services and other improvements to services for seniors, the addition of 1,000 new mental-health and addictions treatment spaces and multi-year, multibillion-dollar capital investment in Winnipeg hospitals.

Spending on municipal operating grants will also increase by $47 million in the coming budget, the first increase since 2016.

The province’s treasury is expected to be in better shape in the 2023-24 fiscal year to pay for the commitments.

Manitoba’s federal equalization payments are projected to jump by by $577 million (or 19 per cent). Taxation revenue has increased, driven partly by inflation, and a $194 million top-up to the Canada Health Transfer is expected later this year.

Manitoba is also working on a bilateral funding agreement for health care with Ottawa worth $1.22 billion over a decade.

Stefanson was asked how close to balanced the budget will be in a critical election year. She responded with her favourite catchphrase.

“Stay tuned,” she said.

danielle.dasilva@freepress.mb.ca