The Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM) is supportive of commitments to a long-term infrastructure plan, funds for community centres, and improved internet access, but disappointed in the federal government’s failure to deliver on housing in the new budget.
Budget 2012 contained several highlights that will affect Manitoba municipalities:
1. The government reaffirmed its commitment to have a new long-term infrastructure plan in place before current funding programs end in 2014.
2. A $150 million commitment to the new Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund will create jobs and invest in communities in a time of global economic uncertainty.
3. Planned spectrum auctions for the 700 MHz and 2,500 MHz spectrum bands will help support and strengthen rural, remote and northern communities.
4. An investment of $99.2 million over three years will assist the provinces and territories with the cost of permanent flood mitigation measures undertaken for the 2011 floods.
According to AMM President, Doug Dobrowolski, the most important budget line is the renewed commitment toward a new long-term infrastructure plan. “We are pleased that the government will continue to move ahead on this,” said Dobrowolski. “We look forward to continuing to work with the federal government and Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) to ensure a plan is in place before the Building Canada Fund ends in 2014.”
The budget also promises to eliminate duplication in federal policies that add unnecessary costs to municipalities. “Disaster financial assistance is essential for municipalities but the paperwork involved is onerous,” said Dobrowolski. “Our budget submission asked for the federal government to link disaster events that occur close together rather than require municipalities to file a separate claim for each. This will lighten the administrative burden for municipalities and insure they are reimbursed in a timely fashion.”
On the negative side, the government failed to deliver on housing, one of the AMM’s top issues. “Manitoba municipalities are growing and attracting new people who have no place to live,” said Dobrowolski, “and the government needs to provide tax incentives to the private sector to build affordable housing in Manitoba.”
