COLUMN: Report from the Legislature – Affordability a key issue this season

As the elected MLA and with the holidays approaching I want to take the time to recognize all the volunteers within the Lac du Bonnet constituency. Your dedication to the betterment of our communities is inspiring. Thank you for your time and your commitment, but mostly thank you for helping those less fortunate, not only during the holiday season but throughout the entire year. Your efforts truly make a difference.

Following the ‘nothing new’ throne speech delivered by the Wab Kinew NDP government in November, the Manitoba legislature rose on Dec. 4. What we heard from the NDP both in the throne speech and throughout the legislative session was a lot of rehashing of old announcements that offered no new changes or improvements. With Manitobans currently facing serious increases to health-care wait times, property crimes and cost of living, the throne speech basically repeated the same NDP campaign promises made over two years ago.

Affordability has become a priority issue for Manitobans. With food costs soaring and unemployment on the rise, Manitoba food bank usage is 17 percent higher year-over-year and three times higher than the national average. According to the latest MNP Consumer Index, two in five Manitoba families are within $200 of insolvency. Yet the throne speech offered nothing new towards tax relief or affordability measures for Manitobans. Instead, it said the NDP would conduct a study on grocery prices. Again, recycling an earlier promise made by the premier to crack down on rising grocery prices shortly after being elected. This proves the NDP had no plan to keep prices in check, then or now.

As the official opposition under the leadership of Obby Khan, our PC caucus have been working hard to hold the NDP accountable during the legislative session. Admittedly it has been a difficult process as this NDP government believes it owes no answers to the citizens of Manitoba. Instead, after failing to call their budget bills for seven months, the Kinew government waited until the last day of the fall session to hurry through hidden tax hikes on Manitobans without allowing any debate or input from the public.

The NDP are increasing the PST on small businesses, they are increasing income taxes by $82 million, and their school tax scheme has raised education property taxes on countless Manitoba homeowners – collecting nearly $350 million more in taxes from Manitoba families, seniors, workers and farmers. All at a time when Manitobans are facing significant affordability challenges. The PC’s voted against the NDP government tax increases and out-of-control spending, but were denied any debate on the budget bills.

There was nothing new in the throne speech to help seniors living independently on fixed incomes, single parents who rely on financial assistance and subsidized housing, or working families who are struggling to pay their bills. No new affordability measures to help those Manitobans who are doing their best but could use some extra support. Prior to the NDP’s costly overhaul, our PC affordability measures saw tax savings that included up to $1,399 in savings for Manitoba families.

Here in the Lac du Bonnet constituency, we are extremely fortunate to have a number of community organizations that play a crucial role in helping those in need. We can support these organizations by volunteering, donating or participating in their fundraising events. I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy new year!

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email me at wayne@wayneewasko.com, or call me at 204-268-3282. Also, you can follow me on X (formerly Twitter) @wayneewaskomla and friend me on Facebook.