April 30, 2015
Budget 2015: Investments in Infrastructure and Training Support Northern Development
– – –Training Youth Today Leads to Good Northern Jobs Tomorrow: Minister Dewar
Supports for University College of the North (UCN) and trades apprenticeships, in combination with record investments in infrastructure, are important elements of Budget 2015 and the key to northern development, Finance Minister Greg Dewar said today.
“Budget 2015 reflects our continued commitment to northern communities and the unique opportunities they present,” Minister Dewar said. “Our investments for the next year will help lower food costs, increase access to post-secondary education and offer more northern young people high skills training.”
Budget 2015 invests in northern and Indigenous students by increasing Aboriginal Academic Achievement Grants, providing access to work experience and apprenticeship credits in northern high schools, increasing operating funding for colleges and universities such as UCN, and increased funding for Adult Learning Centres.
In addition, starting in August Manitoba student loans will be interest free and car ownership will be removed as a barrier to accessing student loans.
Going forward, the Manitoba government will continue to lead the way when it comes to investments in the East Side Road Initiative, the minister said. Since 2010, the Manitoba government has invested at least $75 million a year toward this historic project and is committed to continue this annual funding through to the year 2020, the minister added. He noted to date, this project has created over 600 job opportunities, 270 training opportunities and seen $86 million invested in local community benefits.
“We believe that northern Manitobans should be able to access the programs and services they need to be successful,” said Minister Dewar. “With the help of partners such as Manitoba Hydro, UCN, the Northern Manitoba Sector Council and northern industries, more northern young people than ever before have access to skills training.”
Budget 2015 supports new investments in health care that put patients and families first, the minister said. He indicated that Manitoba has one of the highest retention rates for rural and northern doctors in Canada and will continue that trend with additional investments in front-line services. Investments in northern health care continue to see increased numbers of doctors and nurses, and continued upgrades to emergency rooms and clinics, Minister Dewar said.
Budget 2015 continues the historic investment in northern Manitoba roads including:
- improvements to PTH 10 between Swan River and The Pas;
- work on PTH 10 south of Flin Flon;
- improving 22 kilometres of PR 280;
- continued work on PR 374; and
- improving PTH 6, Manitoba’s key northern artery.
“Affordability remains a key element of Budget 2015, which includes doubling the Seniors School Tax Rebate. Many rural and northern communities in Manitoba are facing aging populations. That’s why under this government, seniors will be able to save up to $1,570 on their property taxes this year,” Minister Dewar said.
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. While other provinces are cutting front-line services and introducing user fees and health premiums, Manitoba has chosen a different path – growing the economy and strengthening services for families across Manitoba,” Minister Dewar said.
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