June 4, 2019
Government Makes Progress on Key Mandate Items During Spring Session of Manitoba Legislature
The Manitoba government concluded the fourth session of the 41st legislature Monday, citing significant progress made on key mandate items, notably reducing the PST, Premier Brian Pallister announced today.
“Three years ago, Manitobans elected us to fix the finances, repair the services and rebuild the economy; with prudent fiscal management, targeted investments in health care, education and social services, Manitoba is now back on the right path,” Pallister said. “We believe in making life more affordable for all Manitobans, and we’re proud to fulfil our promise of reducing the PST to seven per cent from eight per cent, effective July 1, six years to the day the former government broke its promise and raised it.”
The premier highlighted the province’s 10-point economic plan is nearly complete, resulting in private-sector job creation, increased capital investment and rising business confidence. Reducing the deficit, lowering and indexing the basic personal exemption, delivering small business tax relief, and eliminating unnecessary regulatory requirements are other important initiatives the government undertook, resulting in improved economic stability and competitiveness, the premier noted.
“Getting our fiscal house in order has enabled us to provide record investments in the services Manitobans rely and depend on – health care, education and social services. Manitobans deserve a government who will spend their money wisely and provide a legacy for the next generation.”
The premier noted the government passed 17 pieces of legislation during the spring session in support of Budget 2019 and key government initiatives including affordability, safety and security, and improved services.
Those pieces of legislation include, but not limited to:
• Bill 5 – The Mental Health Amendment and Personal Health Information Amendment Act;
• Bill 9 – The Family Law Modernization Act;
• Bill 14 – The Reducing Red Tape and Improving Services Act;
• Bill 15 – The Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Control Amendment Act (Cannabis Possession Restrictions);
• Bill 16 – The Budget Implementation and Tax Statutes Amendment Act; and
• Bill 19 – The Residential Tenancies Amendment.
“For the first time in two decades, Manitobans have a government that is delivering on its promises,” the premier said. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to make Manitoba the most improved province in all of Canada. We cannot do it alone and we will continue to take a team approach to addressing the challenges that remain. We will do it in partnership with Indigenous leaders and communities, rural and northern Manitobans, business leaders, the private sector, industry stakeholders, families and everyday Manitobans.”
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