The provincial government continues to seek public input to inform Budget 2022 through public engagement sessions, adjusting the previous format to offer virtual public meetings and telephone town halls, in addition to online opportunities for feedback, to protect participants and remain in accordance with current public health orders.

“As we prepare our upcoming budget, our government continues to be dedicated to protecting and supporting all Manitobans during the COVID-19 pandemic, while also maintaining our province’s forward momentum toward a full economic recovery,” said Finance Minister Scott Fielding. “We want to hear what matters most to Manitobans and their families, so we can chart a course to address those priority areas. To accommodate as many residents as possible, we invite Manitobans to share their views via their choice of virtual or telephone engagement sessions, or through the online survey.”

Telephone town halls will be held on the following dates:

  • Tues., Jan. 11 at 6:30 p.m. for rural Manitobans;
  • Wed., Jan. 12 at 6:30 p.m. for Winnipeg residents; and
  • Mon., Jan. 24 at 6 p.m. for Winnipeg residents.

Virtual public meetings will be held:

  • Mon., Jan. 17 at 6:30 p.m. for rural Manitobans;
  • Thurs., Jan. 20 at 6:30 p.m. for Winnipeg residents (English-French bilingual); and
  • Wed., Jan. 26 at 6:30 p.m. for northern Manitobans.

Manitobans are asked to register for the virtual public meetings in advance, or sign up at engagemb.ca to receive a phone call to participate in a telephone town hall.

The online survey is available at engagemb.ca until Jan. 31.

“Budget 2022 will focus on strengthening vital services, such as ensuring quality health care, education and investing in infrastructure. We will help grow the economy as we continue to move forward from the impacts of the pandemic,” said Fielding. “We welcome the input of Manitobans in helping us prioritize our investments in these and other key areas.”

The province’s full public engagement schedule, along with the online survey, is available at engagemb.ca.