September 28, 2022
Manitoba Government Welcomes Start of the Legislative Session
– – –Helping Families Make Ends Meet, Safer Communities, Stronger Health Care, Job Growth are Top Priorities: Goertzen
The Manitoba government is focusing on the priorities of Manitobans in the fall legislative session, which begins today.
“Our government is united and ready to continue working hard for all Manitobans,” said Kelvin Goertzen, government house leader. “We’re focused on making life more affordable, reducing diagnostic and surgical wait times, making our communities safer, and creating jobs.
“Premier Heather Stefanson and our government have spent the summer getting out to many Manitoba communities and listening to Manitobans. We’ve heard what their priorities are and will take action to address those concerns.”
As part of the Manitoba government’s ongoing effort to help families make ends meet, our government recently unveiled an $87-million Family Affordability Package to immediately provide families with children, seniors living on a fixed income and Manitobans who are hurting the most, with benefits to help ease the burden of rising costs and high inflation, Goertzen noted. These affordability cheques are beginning to be mailed. This builds on the government’s historic tax relief measures, such as the $2,020 tax rollback guarantee, which has now exceeded $2,400 or $4,800 for a two-income family, he added.
Some of these relief initiatives include:
- expanding the child-care subsidy program;
- phasing out of education property taxes;
- introducing a new residential renters tax credit; and
- providing rebate cheques to vehicle owners through Manitoba Public Insurance.
“Our government is also making progress in making our communities safer,” Goertzen said. “Over the summer, the new Scrap Metal Act came into effect, which has seen a rapid decline in car part thefts. We have also advocated for changes to the Criminal Code, such as stronger bail requirements for violent offenders using knives and stronger enforcement for criminals using bear spray as a weapon.”
As the fall session starts, Manitobans can be assured that health care, affordability, job creation, and community safety remain top priorities, Goertzen noted.
The fourth session of the 42nd Legislature begins its fall sitting today at 1:30 p.m.
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