View From the Legislature

The Manitoba Legislature has now begun its spring session and it will be a notable session for many reasons. One is that it is expected to be the last session before the scheduled fall election set for October 3rd. While that will certainly draw more attention to this session, there is a great deal of other important work that needs to be done in the months before the election.

The highlight of most provincial spring legislative sessions is the budget. The annual provincial budget outlines in greater detail than almost any other government document the priorities and plans for the year ahead. Manitoba will unveil its 2023-2024 provincial budget on Tuesday, March 7th. Like all budget days, it will be an important time on the sessional calendar at it looks to address a number of challenges.

Every provincial budget is something of a product of the time that it is drafted. That is because every year there are new challenges and new opportunities that present themselves. This year, we know the difficulty that Manitobans have been facing with the rising cost of most consumer goods, notably food. The high level of inflation, and higher interest rates, have put pressure on the household finances of most Manitobans and Canadians.

This concern, among others, was highlighted at pre-budget consultation meetings that were held across the province, including in Steinbach. While our government has already taken steps to help Manitobans struggling with the cost of living, we know that there is more that can be done. Important measures related to affordability, health, education and many other areas will be outlined on March 7th.

Even before the budget, several announcements have been made that address significant issues. On Friday, increased funding of $47 million was announced for Manitoba municipalities who themselves are dealing with rising costs. As well, Manitoba and all provinces have been working to finalize healthcare agreements with the federal government to provide additional funding support for healthcare priorities.

We also know that Manitobans are concerned about the increasing level of violent crime. And while the federal government has agreed to meet to discuss changes to the federal Criminal Code to make it more difficult for those accused of violent crime to get bail, we know there is work to do provincially as well.

In my role as Minister of Justice in Manitoba, I announced last week that an additional $1.4 million was being budgeted to hire 10 new positions in Manitoba prosecutions to help in the enforcement of illegal guns and organized crime charges. These individuals will play an important role in providing information to law enforcement in these areas as well as ensuring resources are available for prosecuting these matters.

I look forward to updating you both on the provincial budget after March 7th as well as other important issues that arise during this spring session of the Manitoba Legislature.