Trail Talking

That’s a wrap on another Manitoba Legislative Session! Our government was proud to bring forward a robust legislative agenda focused on protecting Manitobans and advancing Manitoba. It has always been our goal to improve the lives of Manitobans, and I believe that this past Legislative Session greatly reflects our commitment to advancing that objective.

Our government recently passed Bill 71, providing Manitoba property owners with education property tax rebate cheques. Rebates are equal to 25% for residential and farm properties and 10% for other properties. As of last week, our government began mailing these cheques to property owners, returning nearly $250 million this year to Manitobans who own homes, farms and businesses.

Manitoba is the only province that uses school property taxes, which are set locally by each different municipality, to fund the education system. The rebate will not impact the amount of school taxes that fund local school division. Unfortunately, the NDP voted against this bill and against tax relief for Manitobans. This legislation also makes a change to the Residential Tenancies Act to freeze the rent increase guideline at zero per cent in 2022 and 2023, providing much-needed relief to those living in rental accommodations.

I would also like to take this opportunity to encourage all Manitobans to get vaccinated against COVID-19. All Manitobans aged 12 and up are now eligible to book an appointment to be vaccinated. Eligibility for second-doses has begun as well. For more information and to book an appointment, please visit protectmb.ca or call 1-844-626-8222.