On Tuesday, November 12, the Manitoba government delivered a Throne Speech outlining its priorities for the coming legislative session. The speech focused on infrastructure investments and good jobs for Manitobans.

The speech committed that every dollar raised by this year’s one point increase to the provincial sales tax will be invested in core infrastructure. The Auditor General will provide annual, independent reports on infrastructure spending to hold the government accountable on this commitment.

The government also committed that increased investment in core infrastructure will not take away from investments in schools, hospitals and communities.

From a labour perspective, the government announced that new legislation will be introduced to better protect the safety of road workers.

“We welcome major new investments in infrastructure,” said MFL President Kevin Rebeck. “And new protections for road workers will be critical with all the road and highway work that is planned.”

The speech also included major focus on jobs. A series of measures were announced to train more Manitobans for jobs in the skilled trades. This includes a Skilled Trades and Technology Centre at Red River College, and the designation of a new trade, “Powerline Technician,” to help build Manitoba’s hydro infrastructure.

The government also pledged to support national efforts to expand the Canada Pension Plan so that all workers can count on a better retirement income.

Read the speech and news release.