June 9, 2015
Budget Implementation Bill Introduced that would Support Job Creation, Protect Services, Support Manitoba Families: Minister Dewar
The budget implementation and tax statutes amendment act introduced today would implement the provisions of Budget 2015 that would help create jobs, grow the Manitoba economy and protect key services for Manitoba families, Finance Minister Greg Dewar announced today.
“We have a plan that invests in our province’s future and strengthens job opportunities for Manitobans now so that they can raise their families here at home,” said Minister Dewar. “Budget 2015 builds on this plan by focusing on investments in infrastructure and skills, protecting the services families rely on, such as health care and child care, and ensuring a strong future for all Manitobans.”
The proposed legislation would also include provisions to enhance tax credits or rebates worth $56.4 million in additional tax savings for:
- senior homeowners paying school taxes;
- volunteer firefighters and search and rescue volunteers;
- primary caregivers;
- investors in community enterprises and small business ventures;
- businesses investing in data-processing centres;
- corporations investing in research and development;
- businesses installing biomass-fuel energy equipment;
- airlines offering international passenger flights out of Winnipeg;
- small businesses; and
- employers of youth trainees including high school vocational co-op students, high school apprentices and graduates.
In addition, this bill would provide certainty to businesses by extending existing tax credits that would benefit film and video productions, rental housing construction, the printing of Canadian books, interactive digital media projects, and nutrient management investments, the minister said.
“Our record on job creation is the best in the country, but there is always more we can do to support businesses as they work to create more jobs and grow our economy,” said Minister Dewar. “We will continue to focus on making our province attractive to companies looking for opportunities.”
The proposed bill also includes provisions that would support Manitoba families by raising Rent Assist to 75 per cent of median market rent, starting July 1. The full implementation of Rent Assist would be completed Dec. 1, Minister Dewar said.
The minister noted tax reductions introduced since 1999 will save Manitobans $542 million in personal income taxes, $358 million in property taxes and $446 million in business taxes in 2015.
“Manitobans have been clear that our balanced approach to strengthening the economy is working,” said Minister Dewar. “Our GDP has more than doubled since 1999 and our economic record is strong. Budget 2015 will make a real difference for people across the province.”
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