What to Expect
Overshadowing the budget rollout in Saskatchewan will be discussions over an increase in COVID-19 cases, as viral load reached a new high in Saskatoon’s wastewater last week, and increases were seen in other cities. Legislative and political talk will be limited, though, with the Legislature not in session until next week.
In Manitoba the Legislature will continue to discuss, debate, and score points as the budget is rolled out and voted on. There will be more analysis this week than the week it was announced, on account of Manitoba’s weather unseating the budget from the front pages.
The Week That Was
Saskatchewan
Legislation to enhance the Saskatchewan Value-added Agriculture Incentive (SVAI) tax rebates and regulations have been announced, with changes aimed at increasing the Saskatchewan Technology Start-Up (STSI) tax credit cap and attracting major investment in Saskatchewan.
Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) is investing $5.6 million to train and equip volunteer firefighters in Saskatchewan. The funding will be used to develop a new program that will be the first of its kind in Canada. The program’s objectives are:
To fund the delivery of training courses that allow volunteer firefighters to meet minimum standards for auto extrication; and
Purchasing tools and equipment that support that training.
Manitoba
The Manitoba government has presented the 2022 provincial budget, which makes investments in five priority areas including strengthening health care, making life more affordable, building the economy, investing in communities, and protecting Manitoba’s environment.
In an effort to increase internal tourism this summer, the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce has brought back the TRIP program, where Manitobans are given cash for staying in the province for their summer vacations.
