The 2008 Manitoba Budget Address

Northern Manitoba

Training and employment initiatives are a key part of our Northern Development Strategy. The University College of the North is an innovative institution that educates people in their own communities and contributes to the next generation of northern nurses, teachers, and tradespeople. Through its two main campuses in The Pas and Thompson and 12 regional centres, it serves more than 2,000 students annually.

The Northern Healthy Foods Initiative promotes the production and availability of healthy, affordable food in northern and remote Manitoba communities.

Mr. Speaker, Budget 2008 builds on the success of this innovative program with new resources to expand into more communities.

We introduced water safety education programs for northern communities in 2005, and today’s budget continues this work with resources to provide a year-round program through schools that will include water safety, sled safety, an IceSmart program, and training for lifeguards and swimming instructors.

Budget 2008 provides an additional $1.1 million for fire suppression, including an additional helicopter and the introduction of disability insurance for volunteer firefighters in Aboriginal and Northern Affairs communities.