Manitoba’s 2022 budget focuses heavily on health care, making life a little more affordable as inflation spirals upward, building the economy, community investment, and the environment..The government’s 2022-23 spending plan announced Tuesday saw relatively modest increases to programs and departments and reduced the previous year’s deficit by more than $1 billion..Due to an increase in projected revenue, the deficit will be less than the $1.4 billion forecasted at the end of the 2021 fiscal year..However, the province plans on spending $19.9 billion with a projected deficit of $548 million..“Two years of the pandemic have forced Manitobans apart, shaken our families and damaged peoples’ livelihoods — now it is time to look ahead,” said Finance Minister Cameron Friesen in a news release..“Budget 2022 implements our plan to recover together and is built to take action on the issues Manitobans care about. Budget 2022 strengthens, invests, and builds our province, and gives Manitobans hope and optimism for the future.”.Manitoba is aiming for a balanced budget by 2028/29..Friesen unveiled a plan to reduce taxes, including a goal to eliminate education property taxes..The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) welcomed the province’s plan to continue to phase out education property taxes..However, CTF’s Prairie Director Todd MacKay said Manitobans wanted more spending control..“Manitobans are paying more for everything from gas to groceries, so it’s great to see the Manitoba government giving taxpayers a break on education property taxes.”.“Phasing out Manitoba’s antiquated education property tax system will leave more money in taxpayers’ pockets and that’s a great way to grow the economy.”.The average homeowner will save $581 in 2022 and another $774 in 2023..But an operation deficit of $548 million will push the province’s debt to $30.5 billion, with taxpayers footing more than $1 billion in interest charges..“This budget is a missed opportunity for Manitoba to deal with the deficit,” said MacKay..“If the province had held the line on spending, the operational budget would be balanced. Manitoba needs to get serious about finding savings or we’ll see more and more tax dollars wasted on interest charges.”.Manitobans have said health care is a priority..The budget included a total of $7.2 billion in health care spending..Health care highlights include:.– $110 million to address surgical and diagnostic backlogs that mounted during the COVID-19 pandemic..– $11.6 million to create 260 new nursing positions..– $9 million for 28 additional ICU beds..– $4.2 million for COVID-19 response..– $17 million to start a five-year plan for mental health and community wellness..– $23.7 million for mental health and addictions programs to help recover from the pandemic..– $630 million in ongoing spending to strengthen the fight against COVID-19..Another $12 million has been set aside for Manitobans with prolonged, severe disabilities..A total of $18 million will be allocated to hike wages for some social services front-line workers.A $326 million investment over two years will help parents can make child-care more affordable and accessible..By 2027 there will be 22 new schools throughout the province..The government plans to spend $5 million to advance progress on reconciliation with First Nations communities..A $34 million investment will be made this year to support arts, culture, and sports organizations..Relief was built in for small businesses and drivers..A $50 new venture capital fund will be implemented..The Small Business Venture Capital Tax Credit will be permanent and expanded to support venture capital funding..Non-commercial vehicle registration fees will be reduced by $10..Manitoba is investing $1.5 million to expand the Conservation and Climate Fund, part of a $6 million investment of the Climate and Green Plan..“Governments and finance ministers are all about balancing priorities,” Friesen told reporters, in defense of the $548 million deficit..“We simply think that it’s not right to make Manitobans wait … they need affordability now.”.Slobodian is the Senior Manitoba Columnist for the Western Standard lslobodian@westernstandardonline.com
Manitoba’s 2022 budget focuses heavily on health care, making life a little more affordable as inflation spirals upward, building the economy, community investment, and the environment..The government’s 2022-23 spending plan announced Tuesday saw relatively modest increases to programs and departments and reduced the previous year’s deficit by more than $1 billion..Due to an increase in projected revenue, the deficit will be less than the $1.4 billion forecasted at the end of the 2021 fiscal year..However, the province plans on spending $19.9 billion with a projected deficit of $548 million..“Two years of the pandemic have forced Manitobans apart, shaken our families and damaged peoples’ livelihoods — now it is time to look ahead,” said Finance Minister Cameron Friesen in a news release..“Budget 2022 implements our plan to recover together and is built to take action on the issues Manitobans care about. Budget 2022 strengthens, invests, and builds our province, and gives Manitobans hope and optimism for the future.”.Manitoba is aiming for a balanced budget by 2028/29..Friesen unveiled a plan to reduce taxes, including a goal to eliminate education property taxes..The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) welcomed the province’s plan to continue to phase out education property taxes..However, CTF’s Prairie Director Todd MacKay said Manitobans wanted more spending control..“Manitobans are paying more for everything from gas to groceries, so it’s great to see the Manitoba government giving taxpayers a break on education property taxes.”.“Phasing out Manitoba’s antiquated education property tax system will leave more money in taxpayers’ pockets and that’s a great way to grow the economy.”.The average homeowner will save $581 in 2022 and another $774 in 2023..But an operation deficit of $548 million will push the province’s debt to $30.5 billion, with taxpayers footing more than $1 billion in interest charges..“This budget is a missed opportunity for Manitoba to deal with the deficit,” said MacKay..“If the province had held the line on spending, the operational budget would be balanced. Manitoba needs to get serious about finding savings or we’ll see more and more tax dollars wasted on interest charges.”.Manitobans have said health care is a priority..The budget included a total of $7.2 billion in health care spending..Health care highlights include:.– $110 million to address surgical and diagnostic backlogs that mounted during the COVID-19 pandemic..– $11.6 million to create 260 new nursing positions..– $9 million for 28 additional ICU beds..– $4.2 million for COVID-19 response..– $17 million to start a five-year plan for mental health and community wellness..– $23.7 million for mental health and addictions programs to help recover from the pandemic..– $630 million in ongoing spending to strengthen the fight against COVID-19..Another $12 million has been set aside for Manitobans with prolonged, severe disabilities..A total of $18 million will be allocated to hike wages for some social services front-line workers.A $326 million investment over two years will help parents can make child-care more affordable and accessible..By 2027 there will be 22 new schools throughout the province..The government plans to spend $5 million to advance progress on reconciliation with First Nations communities..A $34 million investment will be made this year to support arts, culture, and sports organizations..Relief was built in for small businesses and drivers..A $50 new venture capital fund will be implemented..The Small Business Venture Capital Tax Credit will be permanent and expanded to support venture capital funding..Non-commercial vehicle registration fees will be reduced by $10..Manitoba is investing $1.5 million to expand the Conservation and Climate Fund, part of a $6 million investment of the Climate and Green Plan..“Governments and finance ministers are all about balancing priorities,” Friesen told reporters, in defense of the $548 million deficit..“We simply think that it’s not right to make Manitobans wait … they need affordability now.”.Slobodian is the Senior Manitoba Columnist for the Western Standard lslobodian@westernstandardonline.com
