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.
The 2004 Manitoba budget was presented to the Legislature on April 19 and after vigorous debate was passed on April 28. For the government it was the toughest budget yet, but despite this it was the fifth balanced budget in a row. It was also the first balanced budget ever to pay down the debt and pension liabilities without drawing a single penny out of the fiscal stabilization fund (the rainy day fund). All of this has to be viewed in the context of challenging economic circumstances of the recent past; namely, the second largest forest fire season on record last year, the BSE cattle crisis, the drought, the resulting low water levels which cost Hydro a loss of well over $300 million, the relatively high Canadian dollar which hurts our exports and a general slowdown of national economic growth. This budget is not without some pain, but there are also many positives, particularly for Northern Manitoba. Some of these positions are: Continued support to improve water quality and waste water treatment (45 northern communities since 1999) New Hydro initiatives (Wuskwatin dam) Continued expanded funding for roads, winter roads and airports (three times as much being spent on winter roads compared to the previous government) University College of the North Continuation of the mineral exploration program A northern healthy foods initiative $6 million more for northern housing (remote communities) $350,000 earmarked from the Department of Conservation for cottage lot and campsite development Increased support and expansion of the Northern Development Initiative. Day of Mourning I was pleased to be able to participate in the Leaders' Walk and press conference on April 28 to mark the National Day of Recognition and Mourning to remember workers who have been killed, have been made ill or have been injured on the job. Four workers die very day in Canada. The Workers Compensation Board, together with business and labour, has embarked on a new advertising campaign stressing safety. Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra Several days ago I was pleased to meet with the Honourable Eric Robinson, Minister of Culture, Heritage and Tourism, and representatives of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. I am proud that Flin Flon is one of the five destinations on the orchestra's northern tour. This outreach and concert program by the WSO is slated for September 22 and 23. On their last visit to Flin Flon, the WSO under the direction of Maestro Bramwell Tovey and in performance with our local community choir delighted audiences. We look forward to similar great entertainment from the WSO and their new director, Maestro Andrey Boreyko. Of course, our own Community Choir will be an integral part of this highly anticipated musical event.
