Manitobans will have the opportunity to attend pre-budget public consultations across the province to share their vision for the upcoming budget in community meetings and online. This announcement was made by Finance Minister Jennifer Howard.
“Manitobans have told us that they want good jobs and opportunities for our young people and still want us to protect the services they count on the most,” said Minister Howard. “We will be listening to people across the province to hear their views on how we keep our economy growing, keep life affordable and provide those opportunities that will keep our kids at home.”
Pre-budget consultations will begin when the minister meets with key economic advisors on Oct. 20, followed by community meetings and telephone town halls throughout October and November. In addition to upcoming public meetings, the minister will visit business organizations, students, parents and seniors in Winnipeg, Brandon, Virden and Flin Flon to hear their views.
The Manitoba government will also be using an online survey and an interactive telephone town hall to reach a larger number of people. The telephone format provides an update from the minister, as well as allowing people on the line to vote on budget priorities, ask questions about the upcoming budget and share their ideas.
Manitobans can attend consultations taking place in their regions in person or by registering online in advance to be contacted for the telephone town hall. People will also be called at random and invited to join the conversation.
Upcoming consultations will include:
- Oct. 23 – Brandon, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Riverbank Discovery Centre, 1-545 Conservation Dr. Register by calling 204-726-6796
- Oct. 30 – Swan River, 1 to 3 p.m., Veterans Community Hall, 119 Sixth Ave. Register by calling 204-734-4900
- Oct. 30 – Dauphin, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Dauphin Multi-purpose Seniors Centre, 55 First Ave SE. Register by calling 204-622-7630
- Nov. 12 – Lorette, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Lorette Parish Hall, 1282 Dawson Rd. Register by calling 204-878-4644
- Nov. 14 – Arborg, 1 to 2:30 p.m., Arborg Heritage Village Hall. Register by calling 204-664-2000
- Nov. 20 – Winnipeg telephone town hall from 7 to 8 p.m. Register online
- Nov. 21 – Rural Manitoba telephone town hall from 7 to 8 p.m. Register online
Manitobans can also contact the minister of finance’s office in Winnipeg at 204-945-3952 to register for any of the sessions.
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 at:
Budget Consultations, Room 103, Legislative Building
Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3C 0V8
A pre-budget online survey can be found on the Manitoba Finance website.
