Manitoba’s five-year economic plan takes a balanced approach. It supports jobs, protects services and has Manitoba on track to return to surplus.
The plan is producing positive results. And Budget 2011 is sticking to the plan.
Puts Families First with tax credits for children’s activities, seniors and caregivers, plus thousands of new child care spaces
Invests in Health Care so all Manitobans who want a family doctor will have one by 2015
Builds Your Community by committing one percentage point of PST to municipal roads, bridges, transit and community centres
Creates Opportunities for Young People by freezing university tuition increases to inflation and giving strong support to schools, universities and colleges
Infrastructure investments create jobs and help position the province for the world-wide economic recovery. Supporting innovation and the green economy will pay long-term dividends to the province's future.
Continue with the province's 10-year, $4 billion plan to upgrade highways.
Upgrade drinking water and wastewater treatment plants.
Contribute to the province's future prosperity by developing clean, renewable hydro power for Manitobans and valuable export markets.
Add 1,500 new social housing units and upgrade existing social housing.
Invest in the winter road system and begin constructing the all-weather east-side road.
Reduced spending in many government departments will allow a stronger focus on priority services: health care, education and training, policing and supports for families.
For the past decade, the province has seen the second lowest per capita spending growth in Canada.
The budget balance will be restored over five years, returning the province to surplus in 2014. Managing the effects of the global recession over five years, rather than absorbing them all in one year, restores financial balance without deep cuts to front-line services.
Manitoba is the ideal place to live, work and raise a family. The cost of living is low and the standard of living is high. The plan maintains Manitoba's affordability advantage.
Maintain a competitive tax environment.
Target gas tax dollars directly to fund road construction and improvements.
Continue support for both rural and urban communities.
Work with community partners to improve housing, education, safety and crime prevention through programs such as Neighbourhoods Alive!