Steve Ashton

The priorities of Manitobans families such as jobs, health care, education and enhanced public safety were focuses of the Throne Speech earlier this week. The speech kicked off the new session of the Legislature

The economy was front and centre in the speech.

We will be organizing a 2010 economic summit, to deal with issues such as innovation and trade, skills development and investment.

We have said no to the harmonized sales tax (HST) to ensure Manitobans are not hit with more than $400 million in new sales taxes during challenging economic times.

We are prioritizing funding for health care, education and training, despite significant fiscal challenges facing all jurisdictions including Manitoba.

The speech also made commitments to preserve and enhance education and training. We will be  reforming the innovative tuition tax rebate so students can receive some assistance up front when they need it most in return for staying and working in Manitoba

We are investing $310 million in new public schools and needed renovations to existing facilities.

The provincial government is providing support to post-secondary capital projects throughout Manitoba including University College of the North.

We are also committing to work with the federal government and First Nations to assist students on First Nations.

The speech also made numerous commitments to rural and northern Manitoba. This includes investing $545 million in roads and 28 bridges in 2010 and making further progress on expanding the all weather road network, We are also

moving forward on a $42-million plan to rehabilitate 18 orphaned mines.

The Throne Speech outlines our priorities for the upcoming session. I believe they reflect the priorities of Northern Manitobans

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