June 2, 2016
Manitoba Government in Toronto for Meetings with Credit Rating Agencies
TORONTO—Premier Brian Pallister and Finance Minister Cameron Friesen are here today for meetings with credit rating agencies to rebuild relationships left vulnerable as a result of Manitoba’s current fiscal situation, inherited from the previous administration.
“Our government will not repeat the mistakes of the past,” said Pallister. “Government cannot solve problems in isolation. Our plan will include the input of Manitobans, outreach and partnerships to other provinces, and the leadership and resolve of a team committed to rebuilding and restoring trust in Manitoba.”
Budget 2016 slows the annual rate of spending to below three per cent and includes practical and principled measures to curb spending growth across government, the premier noted.
Manitoba’s new government is also undertaking a number of comprehensive measures focused on achieving real results, Friesen said, adding these include a performance review to determine value for money, a sustainable health-care review and an ambitious focus on red-tape reduction.
“Budget 2016 marks our government’s first step toward a turnaround in Manitoba’s fiscal plan,” said Friesen. “We are focused on achieving results, both in terms of protecting and improving front-line services, and to returning our budget to balance.”
Over the course of two days, Pallister and Friesen will meet with representatives of Dominion Bond Rating Service, Standard & Poor’s Rating Service, Sun Life Assurance Company, TD Asset Management, BNS Treasury, CIBC World Markets, Moody’s Canada Inc., and National Bank Financial.
Pallister will also address the Canadian Club with a speech detailing the new government’s plan for correcting the province’s fiscal course.
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