The Selinger government continued to sell the PST hike to voters with new dollars in infrastructure spending in its annual speech from the throne.

The province is earmarking $5.5 billion for what it calls economic infrastructure over five years.

“Manitobans told us if you're going to raise any additional revenue make sure it goes to things that make a real difference and we've listened to that and that's why we've put this focused plan forward today," said Selinger.

The centrepiece includes a plan to flood-proof Highway 75 to ensure truck traffic flows year round between the U.S. and the CentrePort development. Complimenting that plan, a bypass around Headingley is also in the works to divert truck traffic.

The speech also includes additional funding to complete the southwest rapid transit corridor.

Other highlights include:

  • Improvements on Highway 1 near the Ontario Border
  • Upgrades on Highway 59 from Brokenhead to Grand Beach with the possibility of twinning it down the road
  • A plan to tackle concussions in young people playing sports
  • The creation of a polar bear provincial park near Churchill to protect polar bears
  • A new school for north Winnipeg
  • $23 million for the Frontier Collegiate Institute in Cranberry Portage
  • A cadet program for Thompson
  • A new Quick Care cancer clinic

Some of the initiatives, including the new school, new provincial park and strategy on concussions, won't be covered by funds from the PST hike.

Selinger said the province wants to focus that tax money on core projects like roads and bridges and sewers.  Critics said it shows the NDP can't be trusted when it comes to plans for PST hike funds.

"Un-kept promises, re-announcements of a government that has failed to keep its word to Manitobans on so many things,” said Brian Pallister, leader of the PC Party of Manitoba.

Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz said Tuesday afternoon he had yet to review the full details of the throne speech, but did say he's happy with the province's commitment to the city's rapid transit project.

"I think today's comment is very positive and we'll continue to do what we're doing. I guarantee we'll be talking about this in the very near future, but probably (with) a lot more details,” said Katz.

The province has committed to completing the southwest corridor to the University of Manitoba and adding a lane to the Jubilee Underpass.

- with a report from Jeff Keele