News Releases

News Release - Manitoba

June 15, 2016

Province Introduces Proposed Legislation that Would Repeal Balanced Budget Legislation

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Government Taking First Step to Enhanced Taxpayer Protection, Restore Balanced Budget Requirements with Proposed Legislation in Co-ordination with Budget 2017: Friesen

The province has introduced proposed legislation that would repeal the Balanced Budget, Fiscal Management and Taxpayer Accountability Actand will introduce new legislation that would replace it in co-ordination with plans for Budget 2017, Finance Minister Cameron Friesen announced today. 

“We need to take the time to carefully correct Manitoba’s fiscal course and today we’re taking the first steps to move our budget back to balance,” said Friesen.  “The existing legislation is unworkable and would require significant amendment.  By repealing the current legislation, we would be able to replace it with measures that would work including restoring the rights of Manitobans to vote on major tax increases.” 

The proposed balanced budget, fiscal management and taxpayer accountability repeal and consequential amendment act would repeal the current balanced budget legislation in its entirety, Friesen said. 

The minister noted new proposed legislation will be introduced in co-ordination with Budget 2017 that would provide Manitoba taxpayers with enforceable protection. 

“Our target is to achieve balance in our second term,” said Friesen.  “We will continue to implement measures that responsibly address unsustainable spending increases while ensuring the protection of front-line services for all Manitobans.”  

The proposed legislation would also amend the Financial Administration Act to remove all references to balanced budget legislation and related commitments made previously, the minister added. 

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