Manitobans will have the opportunity to attend pre-budget public consultations across the province or to share their visions for the upcoming budget in community meetings and online. This announcement was made by Finance Minister Jennifer Howard.
“We know it’s important to hear from Manitobans about their priorities and what they think are the best ways to create good jobs and grow the economy,” said Minister Howard. “We want to reach out to the maximum number of people, which is why we’re using a variety of ways to connect with residents across the province.”
The first consultations began today in Brandon as the minister met with a high school economics class this morning to talk about the budget and student priorities. The first public meeting will take place this evening from 7 to 9 p.m. at Crocus Plains Regional High School.
In addition to public meetings such as the one in Brandon, the minister will visit schools, family programs and senior centres to reach out to groups who may not have attended a public consultation in the past. The province will also be using an online survey and an interactive telephone town hall to reach a larger number of people.
Upcoming consultations will include:
January
- public consultations in Gimli, and
- a meeting with an English as a second language class in Steinbach.
February
- meetings with a Red River College trade class, with seniors at Villa Cabrini in Winnipeg and with a mom and tots program;
- public consultations in Dauphin and Churchill; and
- a virtual telephone town hall.
Those unable to attend a meeting can make a submission in writing to the minister by emailing minfin@leg.gov.mb.ca or by mail c/o Budget Consultations, Room 103, Legislative Building, 450 Broadway, Winnipeg, MB R3C 0V8.
The pre-budget online survey, as well as updated times and dates for consultations, can be found on the Manitoba Finance website at www.gov.mb.ca/finance/consult/intro.html.
