Steve Ashton

The provincial budget for 2012 reflects the need to balance dealing with Manitoba’s financial situation while supporting the kind of front line services that are important to Manitoba families.

The Budget targets spending increases to key front-line services: health, education and training, infrastructure, public safety and services for families. There are  expenditure reductions in some areas. There are also measures to increase revenues, without raising any major tax rates.

There are a number of initiatives to improve efficiency in government including reducing the number of regional health authorities to five from 11.

In terms of health care we are providing faster cancer testing and treatment and provide free cancer drugs for all patients allowing more patients to remain at home. We are also hiring more doctors, nurses, physician assistants, nurse practitioners and health technologists.

Infrastructure is a major priority. We are investing more than $589 million in our highways this year.  Even after the gas tax increase we will be spending $2 on highways for every $1 we raise in tax.

We are meeting the commitment to fund 6,500 child care spaces this year. We are increasing funding for affordable and social housing.

Economic development is a priority with Investments  in the Metis Economic Development Fund, the First Peoples Economic Growth Fund and the Communities Economic Development Fund to serve northern and Aboriginal businesses and leverage private investment.

We will also be proceeding with the Nickel Belt Sustainability Fund to create value added jobs in Thompson.

Health, education , infrastructure, public safety and social services. The priorities of Northern Manitobans. The priorities of the 2012 Budget.