Premier Brian Pallister’s first speech from the throne contained most of his major campaign pledges with a few new nuggets.
Pallister says his government will begin talks with other provinces and Ottawa to develop a climate change plan for Manitoba. The speech says it will include carbon pricing that fosters emissions reductions. Pallister would not elaborate on the topic.
“I'm not going to brainstorm with you today I'm going to be, we'll be unveiling some positions,” said Pallister
The speech also includes a promise to sit down with Indigenous leaders to figure out better ways to do consultation. Pallister says trust has to be established between his government and the Indigenous community.
“That is a relationship that I have to build,” said Pallister.
It appears Pallister wants more certainty around election campaigns. The speech says to compliment the current fixed election date there will be a fixed election period as well. A campaign pledge to ensure all by-elections are within six months of a vacancy was also mentioned in the document.
While not part of the speech, it appears the fiscal picture is getting a little clearer for the new government. The outgoing NDP projected a $773 million deficit. Pallister announced budget day will take place on May 31, and Finance Minister Cameron Friesen will give an update this Wednesday.
First and foremost the speech is focused on bringing the government’s fiscal house in order, a cornerstone of the PC campaign. Pallister says it has to be done without hurting frontline services.
“We are going to do our best to address some dangerous situations that we have noted, and I think that Manitobans have noted, to undo some damage that has occurred,” said Pallister.
Campaign or previous pledges in the speech from the throne:
-Value for money audit in all departments.
-$1 billion for infrastructure annually
-Fair say for communities on infrastructure spending
-Join the New West Partnership
-Establish task force to combat wait times
-More personal care home beds
-Reduce ambulance fees
-Develop a mental health strategy
-A law allowing CFS agencies to share information
-A long-term literacy plan for students
-Abolish vote subsidy for parties
-Restore secret ballot union vote
-Remove forced union contracts.
For the campaign pledges not mentioned in the speech, Pallister suggested they will be part of the upcoming legislative session.
