View From the Legislature

Last Tuesday our government delivered the 2022/2023 provincial budget. The budget provides for Manitobans the financial roadmap for the coming year and helps to outline a number of priorities. These priorities were shaped by pre-budget consultations with Manitobans who provided the government advice on how to prioritize spending over the coming twelve months.

The top priority that Manitobans expressed, and that is reflected in the budget, is healthcare. Healthcare is always a top priority but especially so this year with every province in Canada dealing with surgical backlogs as a result of the pandemic. This year’s budget sets aside an additional $110 million to help address the pandemic surgical backlog in Manitoba.

Locally, funding of $32 million has been allocated for the expansion of Bethesda Regional Health Centre that was announced late last year along with funding support for dialysis. These are important local projects that are in addition to other projects nearing completion like the Rest Haven Personal Care Home.

Also high on the priority list for Manitobans is the issue of affordability. With the cost of gas and food taking a bigger bite out of household incomes, any tax relief is welcomed by many Manitobans. Budget 2022/2023 continues to reduce costs for Manitobans by increasing the education property tax rebate from the 25% homeowners received last year to 37.5% this year. As well, for renters, there is a new Renters Tax Credit that will provide financial relief for those who do not own their own home. This significant reduction in taxes is in addition to the reduction in the provincial sales tax which took place after we formed government and reductions to fees such as drivers licence registration.

Despite these tax reductions, priority areas continue to receive support, like the commitment to build 20 new schools which has been accelerated, meaning that these schools are expected to be complete within three years. That includes a new elementary school in Steinbach. This will be the first new elementary school built in Steinbach in many years.

Residents of the southeast have always expressed as a priority that governments have an eye on fiscal responsibility and managing debt. While our government was able to balance the budget in previous years, the past two years have been a financial challenge around the globe. And while economic growth and job recovery in Manitoba are strong, full recovery will take some time. The provincial budget significantly reduces the provincial deficit year over year and sets Manitoba on a path back to balance within eight years. This roadmap is important and achievable while still ensuring that there is the ability to invest in the priorities of Manitobans.

Overall, Budget 2022/2023 meets the needs of Manitobans and touches upon key local priorities. Thank you to all of those who provided your priorities during pre-budget consultations and helped shape this budget for all Manitobans.