Archived News Releases

News Release - Manitoba

April 30, 2015

Steady Growth, Even More Good Jobs: Budget 2015 Keeps Building

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Record Infrastructure Investments Create Jobs, Protect Services: Minister Dewar

Budget 2015 is a plan to deliver on the priorities of Manitoba families – more jobs, better roads and stronger services, Finance Minister Greg Dewar said today.

"Our province’s economy is strong because of the choice our government made to protect Manitobans from the effects of global economic uncertainty.  We chose to build instead of cut,” 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.  Our plan invests in infrastructure and training to create jobs and growth, and our plan is working.”

The minister noted:

  • The Conference Board of Canada forecasts Manitoba’s average rate of economic growth to lead the country for 2015 and 2016 combined.
  • Manitoba’s economy is creating jobs faster than any other province, more than 20,000 new jobs since the last provincial budget.
  • Manitoba’s rate of employment growth is nearly four times the national average.
  • Average weekly earnings in Manitoba grew 4.3 per cent last year, the best in Canada.
  • Three out of every four new jobs are in the private sector, and four out of five are full time.
  • Last year, over 16,000 people immigrated to Manitoba to take advantage of the opportunities the province has to offer, which is a new modern-day record.

“The economic recovery remains uncertain, both around the world and here in Canada.  Families told us to protect the services they rely on.  Industry told us not to take our foot off the gas.  Cutting now would stop our momentum,” Minister Dewar said.

Budget 2015 limits the increase in core government spending to the rate of economic growth.  It also keeps life affordable for families by:

  • doubling the Senior’s School Tax Rebate;
  • increasing the caregiver’s Tax Credit;
  • creating new jobs and training opportunities for young Manitobans; and
  • helping small businesses create jobs by taking an additional 2,000 small businesses off the tax rolls.

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BACKGROUND INFORMATION ATTACHED




Backgrounder
Renseignements généraux - https://www.gov.mb.ca/asset_library/fr/newslinks/2015/04/1RLSF-News_Release_Main_BGF-FIF.doc
Background Information Attached - https://www.gov.mb.ca/asset_library/en/newslinks/2015/04/RLS-Budget_2015_Main_BG-FI.doc