New fiscal deal, economic growth see support from Lamont
A new funding model to assist municipalities with their growing need to generate income was acknowledged as a provincial priority in a meeting with Liberal Leader Dougald Lamont and the MHCA June 15.
Lamont met with MHCA President & CEO Chris Lorenc, who laid out the association’s advocacy priorities. Those priorities are being discussed with all three main party leaders, in advance of the 2023 fall provincial election.
Lorenc stressed the MHCA roots all of its policies in the principle that growing the economy is Job #1 for all levels of government. Budgets must be crafted focused on economic growth in a environmentally sustainable and socially progressive manner.
The meeting with Lamont touched upon the central economic growth role that Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure plays. Trade makes up 53% of Manitoba’s GDP and without a reliable, seamless transportation network the potential economic return from trade is not possible, Lorenc said.
Lorenc also discussed with Lamont the proposed Canada Trade Infrastructure Plan MHCA is advancing, as part of the Western Canada Roadbuilders & Heavy Construction Association. The WCR&HCA is among seven leading national business organizations pressing for a CTIP provincially and federally, with the goal of seeing support included in the next federal budget.
CTIP is anchored by a strategy that would set criteria for national trade corridor investment, prioritizing projects that show the highest return to GDP and that connect with and amplify other trade investment priorities. The strategy would set out investment priorities 20 to 30 years in advance, with the ability to adjust for shifting public or investment concerns and opportunities.
CTIP has been championed by Premier Heather Stefanson, who is Chair of the Premiers’ Council of the Federations, set to meet in Winnipeg in July.
“I had a very productive meeting with Mr. Lamont, who agreed that economic growth was Manitoba’s priority and understand the intrinsic links between growth, trade and transportation investment,” Lorenc said.
As well, Lamont acknowledged the fiscal challenges of municipalities, which bear the costs and responsibility for about 60% of public infrastructure yet receive only 10 cents of every dollar generated by taxes.
A new fiscal deal should not just seek a fairer share of those dollars, but also look at new ways municipalities can generate revenues to support the growing demand for services, Lorenc said.
