THRONE SPEECH FOCUSED ON PRIORITIES OF FAMILIES THROUGH UNCERTAIN TIMES
– – –Speech a Balanced, Forward Looking Approach to Keep Building Manitoba: Premier
Today’s speech from the throne presented the next steps in keeping Manitoba moving forward through economic uncertainty by protecting and improving the things that matter most to Manitoba families, while finding responsible ways to reduce costs and better deliver government services, said Premier Greg Selinger.
The speech, which opened the second session of the 40th Manitoba legislative assembly, was delivered by Chief Justice Richard Scott, on behalf of Lt.-Gov. Philip Lee.
“With a balanced approach, we’ve kept Manitoba moving forward through the global financial crisis but it’s clear that uncertainty has become an ongoing reality for economies everywhere,” said Selinger. “Manitoba’s fundamentals are strong and our plan will keep our economy growing, improve health care, create opportunities and ensure Manitoba remains a great place to live.”
The premier outlined highlights of the speech:
Growing the economy, creating jobs
The speech, which opened the second session of the 40th Manitoba legislative assembly, was delivered by Chief Justice Richard Scott, on behalf of Lt.-Gov. Philip Lee.
“With a balanced approach, we’ve kept Manitoba moving forward through the global financial crisis but it’s clear that uncertainty has become an ongoing reality for economies everywhere,” said Selinger. “Manitoba’s fundamentals are strong and our plan will keep our economy growing, improve health care, create opportunities and ensure Manitoba remains a great place to live.”
The premier outlined highlights of the speech:
Growing the economy, creating jobs
- New rural economic development and improvements to cities with new road infrastructure, building on already historic road investments.
- Better supports for businesses with a new business succession resource centre and a single point of contact for Manitoba’s entrepreneurs.
- Steady economic growth with the addition of 75,000 workers to Manitoba’s labour force by 2020.
- Better care for seniors with improvements to home care and 200 new personal-care home beds in Winnipeg.
- Faster, more convenient access to testing and treatment for cancer patients with new CancerCare hubs in rural Manitoba.
- Improved access to family doctors with additional nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses and dieticians for medical practices taking new patients.
- Better education and training opportunities with new primary schools and new support for high school students to transition into apprenticeships.
- More support for universities and colleges to increase enrolment by promoting Manitoba as a top destination for international students.
- More mentorship opportunities for students with a new after-school leaders program.
- New measures to protect families dealing with new home construction, vehicle purchases and cable bills; and new tools to help low-income Manitobans purchase a home.
- Improvements to parks and park amenities, and the creation of new parks.
- Support for new research projects that will restore the health of Lake Winnipeg and protect the province’s water.
The premier noted the government is building on measures introduced in Budget 2012 that reduce administrative spending and help deliver government services more efficiently. In particular, the government will work with municipalities to begin a process of amalgamation to better deliver local services.
“Our priorities are the priorities we’ve heard from Manitoba families,” said Selinger. “Our plan is moderate and balanced: streamlining and reducing costs, and protecting jobs and the services families count on.”
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