Selinger has something for all, including polar bears
By: Bruce Owen and Larry Kusch
WINNIPEG - New Premier Greg Selinger’s first throne speech, the government’s blueprint for the coming year, has a tiny bit for every Manitoban, including orphaned polar bears.
"Tiny bit" are key words as the province is dealing with the effects of the recession and the prospect of reduced federal transfer payments next year. Those payments sent a lot of money Manitoba’s way over the past few years, but in 2010 and beyond they’ll be down considerably.
Selinger stressed the focus of government will be on limiting the impact of the recession, be it through such infrastructure projects as repairing roads, bridges and older schools, or by helping Manitobans get a solid education.
"We are probably the best performing economy in the country," Selinger told reporters. "What is the next performing economy? It’s 0.2 per cent negative growth. So what does that tell you? Flat is the new up when it comes to economic growth in the country right now."
The throne speech didn’t contain any bold policy announcements unless you consider a police helicopter the answer to the city’s crime problems.
Selinger said the cost of getting a helicopter is equal to the cost of putting 30 police officers on the street.
No details have been worked out, but Selinger said the province is ready to sit down with the city to work out the best way to buy one and operate it. It could cost up to $3 million to get one and $1 million a year to operate, according to one estimate.
"We’re simply stating that this was identified by them as a high priority," Selinger said. "We’re willing to partner with them in bringing it into place in Manitoba for increased public safety."
Selinger said the province will also introduce legislation to prevent the introduction of armoured gang vehicles in the province. Police in other Canadian cities, like Vancouver, have already seen vehicles outfitted with armour, surveillance cameras and bulletproof glass.
Much of the throne speech lacked details on specific new legislations—the province will publicize new laws and policies over the next year as they are introduced in the legislature.
Much of the speech also focused on projects and programs already announced, like the CentrePort transportation project at Winnipeg’s airport, tax incremental financing to help pay for the rehabilitation of older neighbourhoods, the new road being built up the east side of Lake Winnipeg and the cleaning up of toxic abandoned mine sites.
Selinger said the tough economic situation—more details are to released by the end of the year—could mean some projects are phased in slower than what was first anticipated, but he declined to say which ones.
However, he said the province will continue two projects related to polar bears.
In a bid to draw more tourists, the province will upgrade the existing polar bear facilities in Churchill and "make a signature contribution" to establish a new polar bear research and arctic exhibit at the Assiniboine Park Zoo.
"The polar bear is a good focus because it will attract tourists to Manitoba," Selinger told reporters. "There’s thousands of people who go North every year to see the polar bears and the beluga whales."
Opposition Leader Hugh McFadyen panned the throne speech as one that was "long on problems and short on solutions."
"We're in favour of recycling when it comes to the environment. Recycling when it comes to throne speeches though leaves you feeling a little bit underwhelmed," he said following the 45-minute speech.
McFadyen also said he was surprised that there was no mention of Manitoba Hydro in the speech.
"To spend so much time focused on the need to get the economy growing and to not mention Manitoba Hydro even once, I thought, was just unbelievable," he said, calling the Crown corporation the province's "economic engine."
However, the Opposition leader did applaud the province for committing to working with the city to obtain a police helicopter, noting that the Tories came up with the idea six months ago.
bruce.owen@freepress.mb.ca
larry.kusch@freepress.mb.ca
Highlights:
Corporation Capital Tax: It will be completely eliminated for all businesses by the end of next year. It’s already eliminated for all manufacturers and processors.
Manitoba will become the country’s first income tax free zone for small business next year as the province takes the final step in eliminating the small business income tax rate. It was eight per cent a decade ago.
New resources to speed up application process for new immigrants.
Students who live and work in Manitoba to qualify for portion of tuition fee income tax rebate.
New tax credit for women and loved ones to help with cost of fertility treatment.
Manitoba to join other provinces in seeking damages from tobacco companies as some compensation for their promotion of smoking.
Maximum fines for safety violations to be increased for the first time in more than a decade.
Family Maintenance Act to be amended to improve enforcement payments and to create “best interest of the child” criteria applied by the courts.
Legislation to prevent introduction of armoured gang vehicles in Manitoba.
Legislation to create a list of known gangs to simply court proceedings.
Legislation to allow the province to deny and revoke licences of businesses that are a front for gangs.
Work with the City of Winnipeg to obtain a police helicopter.
Phasing in an adult fitness tax credit.
Condominium Act will be updated to protect condo owners.
New Home Buyer’s Protection Act to assure consumers they will not need major repairs after purchase.
A property tax deferral program for cottages to be introduced to help older cottage owners deal with recent assessment increases.
Expand recycling to include electronics and hazardous waste.
Give municipalities power to seize vacant or derelict buildings
Develop legislation to support granny suites, an attached residence on a dwelling for an elderly parent.
Source: Winnipeg FreePress