On Tuesday May 31 the new Progressive Conservative government introduced its first budget, just six weeks after being elected by Manitobans. The budget was challenging to put together in a short time frame and even more so given the fiscal problems left by the former NDP government. However it takes the first step in charting a better course for Manitoba.
Among the budget highlights was an indexing of the basic personal tax exemption beginning on January 1, 2017 to ensure Manitobans can keep more of the money they earn. As well, Budget 2016 will see income tax brackets indexed to the rate of inflation to eliminate that hidden tax.
During the spring election, we were asked to address the challenges facing our province with a careful approach based on the principles of trust, compassion and common sense. Budget 2016 delivers upon the commitments made by Manitoba’s new government to protect front-line services while finding savings and putting Manitoba back on a responsible fiscal track after years of financial mismanagement by our predecessors.
It’s a budget that demonstrates to Manitobans that we are setting a course down a path of financial responsibility while building our economy and making sure services are there for Manitobans. The approach we’re taking is one that is principled, it is practical and it is positive. Manitobans will benefit as a result.
There are no new taxes or tax increases in the budget. We are committed to working toward balancing the budget by pursuing measures that will responsibly address the unsustainable trajectory of spending increases, while ensuring the protection of front-line services for all Manitobans. Since taking office, we have already found $122 million in savings. These savings go hand in hand with the financial reviews currently occurring in government, as well as a review into government tendering that will look within government for further savings.
While the challenges we face are significant, our government is confident that Manitobans will come together to meet them head-on and leave our province much improved. Manitobans are not afraid of hard work and neither is their new government. We will work together over time to shape the future with a clear, responsible vision and a balanced, stable approach that will allow our province to prosper. This is an approach that is well known and practiced by the residents of the Steinbach Constituency.
Responsible steps will enable us to put Manitoba back on track so that we are able to protect the services used by all Manitobans today and needed in the future. I share the confidence that the only thing better than today in Manitoba is tomorrow in Manitoba.
