Two weeks ago our government launched a new website, with a goal of encouraging Manitobans to share ideas and suggestions on how to build a better provincial budget. The ‘Your Province, Your Plan’ strategy is meant to be the most open and transparent budget consultation process in Manitoba history and allows all Manitobans to have a role in the creation of Budget 2017. Along with the interactive budget website, there will be in-person consultations at a number of locations around the province and a citizen budget tool that will allow Manitobans the opportunity to learn first-hand about the budget process. Reaching out directly to Manitobans for input and ideas will help our government build and develop a strong fiscal plan for the year ahead. The website features an interactive tool allowing individuals to build their own provincial budget, where participants will be asked a series of questions about their provincial budget preferences on topics ranging from health care and red tape to infrastructure and innovation.
The tool will then use the responses to build a budget based on the individual’s priorities. Manitobans can choose to share their input with Manitoba Finance as feedback, as well as on social media to encourage their friends and family to participate in the process. These consultations are your opportunity to tell us what is important to you and where government can make better use of available dollars. The in-person meetings are set to be held between October 17th and 26th in several communities across Manitoba, with a focus on the themes of efficiency, opportunities for growth and northern economic development and detailed questions will be provided to guide conversations.
Residents of the Steinbach Constituency have long been seen as strong financial leaders in our province and our country. Your voice is important as we deal, together, with the financial challenges and opportunities that face the province.
Manitobans wishing to attend the meetings are encouraged to pre-register by emailing minfin@leg.gov.mb.ca or calling 204-945-3952 in Winnipeg. The deadline for written submissions will be Wednesday, November 9th. Submissions can be made online, through email or by mail. They must be no longer than 1,500 words and should focus on the themes noted above. For more information on the dates and locations for the community meetings or to try the online tool, visit www.YourProvinceYourPlan.ca. Written submissions can be made online at www.YourProvinceYourPlan.ca or by mail to: Office of the Minister of Finance, 450 Broadway, Legislative Building, Winnipeg, MB R3C 0V8
Thank you for taking the time to help us build a better Manitoba.
