Finance Minister Cameron Friesen announced that the 2022 provincial budget will be delivered on Tuesday, April 12, outlining the province’s financial priorities and plan for a strong economic and social recovery.
“Budget 2022 is about strengthening our health-care system, focusing on affordability, finding ways to invest in our communities and protecting Manitoba’s environment,” said Friesen. “We must continue to rebuild our economy and work toward resolving something that everyone is concerned about – making life more affordable.”
More than 51,000 Manitobans participated in the province’s budget consultation process, an increase from the previous year, noted the minister. Engagement included telephone town halls, virtual meetings for stakeholders and the public, an online survey and an invitation for email and written submissions.
An online survey received more than 7,400 responses and over 10,300 people participated in quick polls. More than 33,000 Manitobans participated in three telephone town halls.
“Our budget engagement process was primarily virtual this year due to public health restrictions, so we offered Manitobans several channels through which to provide their input,” said Friesen. “We appreciate the ideas they shared through provincial budget consultations and the insights they shared about the issues that are most important to them as we emerge from the pandemic together.”
Among those who answered the online survey, the number one priority for the upcoming budget was health care. Nearly one-half of those who completed the survey indicated that improving education and increasing support related to mental health and addictions is a high priority. About one-third said investing in infrastructure and preparing for the effects of climate change are high priorities.
Manitobans will be able to view the survey results, listen to the telephone town hall recordings and watch recorded virtual meetings at engagemb.ca.
