COLUMN: Report from the Legislature – Affordability issues continue

I hope everyone is enjoying their summer! I know there is plenty to do and see throughout the Lac du Bonnet constituency and I encourage you to take part if you are able.

Are you noticing a difference in the affordability of life over the last 33 months under Premier Wab Kinew’s NDP government? The promise to eliminate the provincial sales tax (PST) on all groceries, which has been emphasized by the premier since March, took effect on July 1. This change includes the removal of PST from prepared foods and beverages intended for immediate consumption, as well as from baked goods and snacks such as candy and potato chips. Most essential grocery items that everyone should be eating, particularly fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy products, were already exempt from PST. The NDP’s removal of the tax on specific grocery items is projected to save an average family of four around $100 annually. In contrast, our Progressive Conservative plan aimed to increase the basic personal exemption to $30,000, potentially providing up to $250 monthly to Manitoba families, seniors, low-income individuals, and students. While the premier touts about reductions in grocery prices, the actual impact of the tax change on overall grocery bills appears to be minimal.

Just over a year ago, the Manitoba NDP government established a permanent office in Washington, D.C. Premier Wab Kinew appointed Richard Madan, a friend and former colleague, to serve as Manitoba’s trade representative with the objective of encouraging economic development and job creation from the United States. Despite Madan’s lack of a background in trade, the Manitoba government announced in October that he would receive an annual salary of $387,000, in addition to $37,000 US per year for expenses, under an overall budget of $800,000 for the Washington office for the fiscal year. However, after allocating nearly $1 million on office operations plus salary and consulting fees for Mr. Madan, Manitoba has yet to achieve any tangible results or secure a trade agreement. This expenditure represents funds that could have been used to establish our new childcare centers which were subsequently cancelled by the NDP, as well as to address necessary renovations and repairs in rural Manitoba Housing units and 55-plus complexes across the province, including in the Lac du Bonnet constituency.

Like many, I was disappointed, but not surprised, when I read about the delay to the Park Avenue project. Back in July 2022, our PC Government announced the initiation of a functional design study aimed at rebuilding Park Ave. in Beausejour and assessing the necessary infrastructure upgrades to meet our community’s needs. At that time, some of the proposed improvements included upgrading the pavement surface, enhancing curb work and drainage, and making better turning movements and intersection enhancements at PTH 44, PR 215, and PR 302. The expectation was to see construction beginning in 2025-26, contingent upon the completion of the water treatment plant and necessary upgrades to the water lines along Park Ave. which our PC government had promised and delivered on. Unfortunately, it appears the Kinew NDP have chosen to delay, pause, or cancel numerous projects based solely on their own political priorities rather than the genuine needs of our communities.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family of the two brothers who recently lost their lives at Sturgeon Falls Trail in Whiteshell Provincial Park. We extend our gratitude to the RCMP, Hutterian Emergency Aquatic Response Team (HEART), Turtle Aquatic Response Inc., Submerged Underwater Services Inc., local and regional fire and EMS personnel, as well as Nutimik Lodge, North Whiteshell Business Association, and other local businesses. We also acknowledge the dedication of the Whiteshell Cottagers Association, the Conservation Officers Service, Parks staff, and all volunteers who contributed to the search and recovery efforts. This tragic incident serves as an important reminder to prioritize safety and exert caution in the beautiful areas of our province. Whether enjoying the waterways, nature trails, or parks, we must remain vigilant regarding potential hazards.

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.