As part of the largest pre-budget consultation process in the province’s history, a series of public consultation meetings are being held at various locations in Manitoba during the month of October.
“As we prepare for Budget 2018, we are listening and want to hear from Manitobans where they stand on important issues and policy directions facing this province,” said Finance Minister Cameron Friesen. “The decisions we make today will impact Manitobans well into the future. We want Manitobans’ input as we focus on restoring fiscal discipline while ensuring the sustainability of services now and into the future.”
Public consultations will be held:
- Monday, Oct. 16, The Pas – Kikiwak Inn, PTH 10, 1 to 2 p.m.
- Monday, Oct. 16, Dauphin – Dauphin Recreation Centre, 200 First Street, SE, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, Oct. 17, Brandon – Victoria Inn, 3550 Victoria Ave. 1 to 2 p.m.
- Tuesday, Oct. 17, St. Laurent – St. Laurent Recreation Centre, Lot 825, PTH 6, 8 to 9 p.m.
- Wednesday, Oct. 25, Winnipeg – St. James Legion, 1755 Portage Ave., 8 to 9 p.m.
- Thursday, Oct. 26, Ste. Anne – Club Jovial, 157 Central Ave. 8 to 9 p.m. French language translation services will be available at this meeting.
In conjunction with the budget consultations, Friesen encouraged Manitobans to take the Manitobans Making Choices online survey, which asks for input on three key issues – sustaining health care, controlling marijuana use and balancing the budget. So far, over 12,000 citizens have taken the survey and over 10,000 have participated in two telephone town halls.
Once complete, results of the survey will be published in a summary format and all responses will remain anonymous, the minister noted. To take the survey, visit www.ManitobansMakingChoices.ca. Anyone who requires an accessibility accommodation is asked to, in advance, call 204-945-5343 or email Budget2018@gov.mb.ca.
