April 30, 2015
Budget 2015 - Supporting the Rural Economy with More Jobs, Better Roads, Stronger Services
– – –Investments in Health Care, Infrastructure Encouraging Rural Development: Minister Dewar
Budget 2015 builds on the economic success that is driving Manitoba’s rural development while keeping life affordable and protecting the front-line services families count on, Finance Minister Greg Dewar announced today.
“Our government understands the needs of rural Manitobans and recognizes the vital role our communities play in growing our economy,” Minister Dewar said. “Our economic plan is making record investments in core infrastructure that is driving growth in our economy and providing good paying jobs in rural communities.”
Minister Dewar notedthe Manitoba government’s five-year, $5.5-billion infrastructure plan will see the construction and upgrading of hundreds of kilometres of rural and municipal roads, and the building of numerous bridges and flood protection structures that will ensure rural Manitoba can take advantage of new opportunities and grow into the future.
Significant projects include:
- repaving PTH 17 in the Interlake;
- continuing work on PTH 6, the key link to Manitoba’s north;
- completing additional work on PTH 10 near Swan River and south of Flin Flon;
- continuing reconstruction of PTH 12 near Steinbach;
- continuing major work on the Trans-Canada Highway east of PTH 12 including intersection improvements at Paradise Village;
- rebuilding of the First Street Bridge and pre-construction work on the Daly Overpass in Brandon;
- continuing further work on PTH 10 north and south of Brandon;
- planning major work on PTH 75;
- undertaking vital projects southwest Manitoba; and
- advancing dozens of bridge, diking and sewer and water projects vital to rural communities.
Budget 2015 supports new investments in health care that put patients and families first. Manitoba has one of the highest retention rates for rural doctors in Canada and Budget 2015’s investments in rural health care will see increased numbers of doctors and nurses, new clinics, and upgraded emergency rooms and diagnostic facilities to serve rural families.
Budget 2015 also strengthens supports for the province’s schools, colleges and universities that rural Manitobans count on for their families. This includes adding 200 more apprenticeship seats in Manitoba’s colleges, increased funding for adult learning centres and starting this August, Manitoba students will no longer pay interest on their student loan and car ownership will be removed as a barrier to accessing student loans.
Rural Manitobans will also see continued supports for the province’s thriving agricultural sector. Support for the Manitoba Grain Innovation Hub, the Richardson Centre for Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals, the Food Development Centre and the Canadian Centre for Agri-Food Research will allow producers to compete in the world economy armed with the latest innovations in agriculture.
Affordability remains a key element of Budget 2015, which includes doubling of the Seniors School Tax Rebate and further support for caregivers looking after loved ones.
“Many rural communities in Manitoba are facing aging populations. That’s why, under this government, seniors will now be able to save up to $1,570 on their property taxes this year,” Minister Dewar added.
About 17,000 senior homeowners already have their school taxes fully covered by the Manitoba government’s Education Property Tax Credit and Seniors School Tax Rebate. This year, an additional 6,700 senior households will no longer pay school taxes with the new Seniors School Tax Rebate.
“Budget 2015 is a responsible, balanced approach to managing the Manitoba economy. Manitoba has one of the strongest economies in Canada, a recognition that our plan is working,” Minister Dewar said. “While some have called for reckless cuts to front-line services and a halt to the building of critical infrastructure, we have chosen a different path. We chose to grow the economy and protect jobs and services.”
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