Our provincial government remains committed to developing and investing in Northern Manitoba, with the Minister of Municipal Relations Jeff Wharton approving provincial funding through the Community Places and Hometown Manitoba funding programs for the following organizations: $9,811 for City of Thompson Norplex Pool change rooms upgrade, $15,626 for Early Learning and Child Care Centre Thompson Inc. Children’s outdoor natural playground, $50,000 for Royal Canadian Legion Burntwood River Branch #244 washroom upgrades, $50,000 for Thompson Humane Society animal shelter upgrades, $5,000 for Town of Gillam ball diamond upgrades, and $3,000 for Town of Lynn Lake Main Street enhancements, as well as projects in Flin Flon, The Pas, and other communities through the Neighbourhoods Alive! and Neighbourhood Renewal community development programs. Cathy Cox, the minister of sport, culture and heritage has also approved $122,763 operational funding for the Thompson Public Library.
Although our government recognizes Vale has significantly reduced its labour force with the closure of the smelter and refinery, and has converted to a load-out facility, this scenario does not meet the required criteria for the City of Thompson to qualify for funding through the Mining Community Reserve Fund (MCRF). Provisions in the Manitoba Mining Tax Act regarding the MCRF stipulate that MCRF funds become available to encourage mineral exploration, and help people in mining communities where ore deposits have been depleted. Fortunately, that is not the case for Thompson, as there are substantial proven ore deposits remaining, and Northern Manitoba also has tremendous untapped potential within the mining, commercial fishing, forestry, tourism and service sectors, to name a few. Our government is committed to breaking down barriers for economic growth and new job creation in Northern Manitoba.
