Finance minister visits Steinbach Chamber, discusses priorities

Minister of Finance Adrien Sala visited the Steinbach Chamber of Commerce on Monday to discuss rural investment, economic trade, and business taxes.

“We’re excited to meet with the local chamber to talk about local economic priorities and priorities for the province,” said Sala. “Of course, we have our budget release coming up near the end of the month (March 24), and we’re eager to get more input to understand what this community and what this region wants to see in our upcoming budget.”

Sala was asked by The Carillon what the province was doing in regards to tax incentives for businesses in rural communities and he referred to last year’s budget where the government brought out a reduction in payroll taxes to support small and medium businesses by raising the payroll tax exemption threshold from $2.25 million to $2.5 million and a second threshold aimed at larger employers by raising the reduced-rate threshold. According to the budget, that would benefit about 875 employers and exempt about 150 from having to pay tax.

Sala was also asked what the government plans to do regarding U.S. tariffs, he said it will continue to budget for more investments and focus on ensuring that jobs are protected in the province. He cited last year’s budget where the province made a capital commitment of $3.7 billion, the biggest capital commitment announcement in Manitoba’s history, to offset those tariffs for businesses and farmers.

When asked about Manitoba Hydro, Sala said the government will ensure “that we build out the resources we need to keep our homes lit and our businesses powered over the years to come.”

The media was not allowed into the meeting with the minister, but chamber executive director Tessa Masi shared some of the things that were discussed.

According to Masi, Sala told the room of local industry leaders that Manitoba is setting itself up for success in the future by making new investments, such as Centreport, the rail line and gateway to Churchill, and new energy projects.

Regarding the Southeast and Steinbach, Masi said members asked how the growth of the community will be affected regarding resources. Since Sala deals with Manitoba Hydro, members asked how businesses building homes are able to get faster hook up times for hydro and timelines for new developments.

“And that is something that is being worked on. And there were some follow-up meetings scheduled to get more details and talk a little bit more in depth specifically around how we can help our community continue to grow,” said Masi.

Regarding tax breaks, Masi said Sala used the example of the transition of the Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit into an immediate Retail Sales Tax (RST/PST) exemption for qualifying machinery and equipment, which is designed to reduce upfront costs for manufacturers. This change is designed to eliminate the need for manufacturers to pay seven percent PST upfront and wait for a tax credit refund later.

When asked if anyone brought up the closure of the Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology (which is closing due to federal government changes to the international student program that has financially impacted the school with a more than 55 percent drop in enrolment) Masi said it was discussed and that members expressed their concern about the need for more skilled trade labour in the area and that they are willing to work with the government to bring trade programs locally as facilities are available. Sala told the room that investments in skilled labour and programs for the trades are a priority for the government.

Masi said Sala also discussed increased funding for tourism in the province.

Masi was asked by The Carillon if she felt the meeting was beneficial and how she felt, going forward, with the government’s plan for the future of businesses in Manitoba.

“It was really important for Minister Sala to come out and hear from our business community. I think that understanding what is happening here on our local level really adds to the perspective as they think about Manitoba as a whole and make decisions for us. This was a great start to the conversation.”

Masi said Sala plans on returning to Steinbach and meeting with local business leaders again.

“I think that that will really continue to benefit our community as there’s more understanding of what our specific community’s needs are.”