I’m pleased to announce that Cathy Cox, our provincial Minister of Sport, Culture and Heritage, has approved operational funding of $1,350 and $3,150, respectively, for the Wabowden Historical Museum and the Heritage North Museum in Thompson. This funding is provided through the Community Museum Grants Program, and serves to help museums preserve our province’s history and promote a sense of identity and community spirit.
The future of the mining industry has long been a topic of conversation in Northern Manitoba. As a lifelong Thompson resident, I understand the mining sector is a key to the success of our northern economy. I’m proud to be part of a government that is working to implement a Mineral Development Protocol in partnership with First Nations communities. The new protocol defines a clear path forward for consultations that will encourage mineral development in our province.
Our government is getting better value for Manitobans by eliminating waste, red tape and duplication, and by focusing expenditures on where they matter most. Salaries represent some of the highest costs for all levels of government. We have taken steps to reduce this burden on Manitoba taxpayers with the Public Services Sustainability Act, which holds wages steady for provincial public-sector employees in the first two years followed by an increase of 0.75 per cent and an increase of one per cent in each of the next two years. We have also reduced the size of cabinet by one-third, and all of our caucus members are leading by example by volunteering to take a wage freeze for the duration of this term.
At the same time, we remain committed to reducing the tax burden on families. We are decreasing the provincial deficit while making record investments in health care, families, child care and education. And we will continue working collaboratively with all stakeholders to promote, protect and develop jobs that Northern Manitobans depend on.
