The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Manitoba Finance Minister Greg Selinger gained the perspective of Flin Flonners on Wednesday at a public consultation regarding the next provincial budget. Fourteen residents turned out at the Flin Flon City Council Chambers to outline their priorities as Selinger prepares to assemble the 2005 budget. Health was one of the chief concerns expressed. One person suggested the province might better spend health care dollars by eliminating the regional health authorities. Another said more resources need to be directed toward reducing the pollution coming out of Flin Flon. The residents also spoke of education, saying there is too much onus on property taxes to pay for schools and that more support is needed for post-secondary education in the North. Dan Reagan, director of the University College of the North Flin Flon regional centre, suggested the government look at offering free tuition for some college courses in remote regions. He told Selinger that it's not always feasible for students to spend $3,500 and a year of their lives for an education that may only garner them a $10 an hour job. Another concern was what one person termed "Perimeteritus," referring to the perception that the government isn't always quick to spend money outside of Winnipeg. Other ideas included expanded government-run insurance, additional government housing and more money to encourage young people to be physically active. Selinger noted that an all-party task force will be looking at the physical fitness issue. The minister told the group that he likes visiting centres outside of Winnipeg, saying it gives him a better appreciation of the issues facing all Manitobans. Prior to listening to the suggestions, Selinger gave a presentation outlining government spending over the past five years with the New Democratic Party in power. He said health care and education are the government's top priorities, noting that over 60 per cent of spending goes toward those services. At the same time, the government has cut taxes to the tune of $311 million since 2000. Selinger conceded there are provinces with lower taxes but pointed out that the cost of living in Manitoba is among the lowest in the nation. He outlined a number of provincial objectives, including increasing the number of immigrants by over 3,000 annually, developing wind energy and ensuring all drinking water is safe. Among those in attendance were Flin Flon MLA Gerard Jennissen, Flin Flon Municipal Administrator Larry Fancy, Flin Flon School Board Chairman Murray Skeavington and union representatives.
