View From the Legislature

Developing a provincial budget isn’t exactly the same as developing a household budget, but many of the principles are the same. Of course, the dollars that are being spent in a provincial budget are much larger than a household one but there is the same give and take as various interests are weighed and considered.

Like your household budget, there are likely more wishes and priorities than the income allows. And unless you are willing to take on debt, which has its own costs, not every desire can be met. It then becomes important to talk to others in the home who are affected and determine what are the most pressing priorities on which to spend money.

Similarly, with a provincial budget, there are typically many more requests for financial support than revenue that is taken in by the province. And since government only has money that it gets from taxpayers, it is important that those spending requests be evaluated very closely. To help determine how to manage your priorities, the Manitoba government undertakes budget consultation meetings prior to every provincial budget.

These budget consultations are currently underway. There will be a budget consultation held on Monday, January 27th in Steinbach at the Jake Epp Library from 3:30 p.m. till 5 p.m. This is an opportunity to both hear from and give input to Manitoba’s Minister of Finance on what your priorities and the priorities of your family are. For many years when the NDP were in government, they refused to hold budget consultation meetings in Steinbach, overlooking one of the fastest growing communities and regions of the province. So I am glad that there will be an opportunity for residents to give face to face input this year.

Of course, not everyone will be able to attend a budget consultation meeting. Fortunately, there are many different ways in which residents can participate and provide their input. The Finance Minister has arranged a series of telephone town halls where random Manitobans will be called and asked to participate. If you are not selected in this way, you can go online at engagemb.ca and click on the “Provincial Budget 2020” link and that will give you the opportunity to participate right from your computer or other electronic device. Of course, you can also write to the Finance Minister with your ideas at the following address: Minister of Finance, c/o Budget Consultations, Room 103-450 Broadway, Winnipeg, MB R3C 0V8.

Ultimately, the provincial budget is your budget. It is there to both meet the priorities of Manitoban’s today, while ensuring that future generations also inherit a province with a strong and stable economic outlook. Those priorities are not always easy to balance, but that task is made easier with the input of all Manitobans.

I hope you will take the time to provide your feedback and help shape our future.