Budget 2021 offers important support, relief
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This article was published 04/05/2021 (759 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
I am pleased to highlight some of the very positive initiatives that our government presented in the last month’s 2021 provincial budget.
Let me first acknowledge the dedication and commitment to the people of Manitoba that our finance minister continues to display. I had the pleasure of working with Kirkfield Park MLA Scott Fielding as Legislative assistant for Finance and I am always impressed with the expertise our government of Manitoba can depend upon within the Finance department.
The first priority of Budget 2021 is to continue to protect Manitobans through the ongoing pandemic. The second priority is to advance jobs and economic recovery as we put COVID-19 behind us. This budget is designed to continue to create comfort and security for the people of Manitoba.
In Assiniboia, with our significant seniors’ population, these increased expenditures will continue to help the needs of those Manitobans who have supported and built this great province. This government has announced an additional $9 million investment that will add more than 120 personal care home beds and $50 million to speed up wait times for surgeries such as hip and knee replacements.
I have heard from many families in Assiniboia who are experiencing the challenges of Type 1 diabetes, indicating a need for further supports. Budget 2021 supports a new program to pay for continuous glucose monitoring devices and access to insulin pumps for children and youth under the age of 25 years. I must compliment the diabetes organizations who have raised this issue and made valuable and necessary presentations to our government.
I am blessed to have family support through the isolation of COVID-19 and I recognize not everyone has this access. Budget 2021 commits an initial $342 million to programs and services such as mental health and addiction strategies as part of the mandate for our new Department of Mental Health, Wellness and Recovery.
Families in Assiniboia will also benefit from rent freezes as well as $22 million for the Rent Assist program. We made an election promise to eliminate education property taxes and we are fulfilling that goal.
Bill 71 – The Education Property Tax Reduction Act – will initially reduce education property taxes by 50 per cent at a rate of 25 per cent over two years. Presently we are trying to pass Bill 71 and we are calling upon the NDP to allow this bill to move forward. As a result of the passage of Bill 71, our government looks forward to sending out well-deserved rebate cheques.
The 2021 Budget offers much needed tax relief and addresses the needs of the hardworking constituents of Assiniboia as well as all hardworking Manitobans. I was proud to support this budget.
Scott Johnston
Assiniboia constituency report
Scott Johnston is the PC MLA for Assiniboia.