Province, MHCA to work together on growing economy and trade
A national plan to invest in the country’s trade corridors is very much recognized as a key to growing the economy, provincially, regionally and for Canada, Finance Minister Adrien Sala told the senior leadership of the MHCA Wednesday.
The MHCA met with Sala and Deputy Minister Sylvester Komlodi January 17 at the minister’s invitation, and presented a pre-budget submission outlining industry priorities, including:
- Pressing for federal support for the Canada Trade Infrastructure Plan (CTIP), to build out a 20 to 30-year strategy for investment in the country’s trade corridors, thereby repairing the nation’s damaged reputation as a reliable partner for global trade
- Growing the provincial economy, with Manitoba Transportation & Infrastructure being seen as a key enabler of that strategy.
- Investing in Manitoba’s trade corridors and transportation network to broaden the provincial trade profile and productivity, as a means of attracting investment
- Ensuring the province’s strategic trade advantages are recognized and receive necessary investment, including CentrePort Canada and the Port of Churchill
- Releasing publicly the condition and needs assessment report on Manitoba’s transportation network, along with a long-term financial plan for necessary investment
- Transitioning to an annual and five-year highways capital budget
- Launching further discussions about striking a new fiscal arrangement with municipalities, replacingthe current turn of century model, which is inadequate to task now faced by municipalities
Sala remarked upon the mutual alignment between MHCA’s economic priorities and those of the Kinew government.
He said the coming budget will reflect the provincial government’s focus on the economy and investments that spur growth.
He committed to speaking in favour of CTIP at national meetings, and said Manitoba has joined the provinces’ call upon the federal government to release another long-term, significant investment plan for trade corridors.
The MHCA delegation included Board Chair Dennis Cruise, Vice-Chair Kevin Brown, past Chair Nicole Chabot and President & CEO Chris Lorenc.
“There were a lot of areas in the discussion of mutual agreement and we are really encouraged by the provincial government’s focus on economic growth,” Lorenc said. “It is clear that the government has a good grasp on the need to invest in the right places to generate revenues that are needed for funding core services and our critical social programs.”
