What to Expect
The Saskatchewan Party government is pushing good news stories this week, with the Premier in the United Kingdom on a trade mission, and an announcement yesterday to advance the Small Modular Nuclear Reactor strategy with Ontario, Alberta, and New Brunswick. This, along with the budget, provides some big momentum for the government. That being said, taxing Roughrider tickets is likely to remain the talk of the province and could tarnish last week’s budget as an effective symbol for increasing the cost of goods and services being ignored and even exacerbated by government.
On March 22, Manitoba Finance Minister Cameron Friesen announced the 2022 provincial budget will be delivered on Tuesday, April 12. The document will outline the province’s financial priorities and plan for a strong economic and social recovery. In the coming weeks, you can expect much speculation and posturing by various groups, stakeholders, and opposition parties to set the narrative for when the budget is released.
The Week That Was
Saskatchewan
Tabled on March 23, Saskatchewan’s 2022-23 Budget highlights a growing economy, improved finances, and a clear path to balance with significant investments in government services for Saskatchewan people. To see CSG’s breakdown, visit our website.
On March 22, the Government of Saskatchewan announced that the provinces potash sector hit all-time record highs in 2021, with production reaching 14.2 million tonnes K2O and the value of sales hitting $7.6 billion.
Manitoba
The Progressive Conservative candidate won the Fort Whyte byelection, but by a smaller margin than the party has won the riding historically.
The Manitoba government introduced legislative changes to the Planning Amendment and City of Winnipeg Charter Amendment Act that would streamline land-use planning, reduce red tape and modernize building inspection processes.
The Manitoba government has concluded a development agreement with Canadian real estate developer Focus Equities Inc. to lead the development of the rail-served industrial project at CentrePort Canada. The 665-acre rail park will offer globally connected businesses with large-volume shipping needs the ability to access, transfer, and transport goods between road and rail, with close access to Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport.
