The Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM) has provided an update in a media release on how Manitoba’s provincial parties are faring in response to the policy priorities outlined by Manitoba’s municipalities for the 2023 provincial election.
Speaking in Brandon, AMM President Kam Blight was joined by Brandon Mayor Jeff Fawcett, Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham, and Portage la Prairie Mayor Sharilyn Knox to give a status update on the Manitoba Municipalities’ Let’s Grow Manitoba Together campaign, which articulated four key policy priority areas for the election advocacy campaign in advance of the 2023 provincial election: predictable municipal funding, infrastructure investment, talent attraction, and tackling rising crime.
Fair and Predictable Municipal Funding
Work with municipalities to establish a simplified, predictable funding model with an annual escalator;
Rebate the PST paid by municipalities, similarly to the federal GST rebate;
Streamline existing tax tools and grant greater flexibility and financial autonomy to municipal governments.
Invest in Core Infrastructure
Increase Manitoba Water Services Board funding for water and wastewater infrastructure, and commit to a permanent federal and provincial infrastructure fund;
Amend Bill 37 to enshrine the primacy of elected municipal councils over the unelected Municipal Board;
Improve coordination between economic development offices and agencies for efficiencies, synergies and responsiveness to municipal economic development needs;
Comprehensive rural broadband and cell service as essential infrastructure for economic growth, public safety, education, and health care.
Invest in People
Accelerate a comprehensive provincial strategy to recruit health care professionals and paramedics throughout Manitoba;
Implement recommendations from the Immigration Advisory Committee to increase regional settlement incentives for foreign-trained doctors and other professionals;
Training opportunities for licensed professionals closer to home;
Care closer to home – a plan to keep paramedics, doctors and other health professionals working in all our regions.
Public Safety
Press the federal government for bail and conditional release reform;
Refuse downloading of policing reform costs;
Predictable police resourcing and flexibility to move certain enforcement and social service functions from police to separate provincially-funded authorities;
Increase police funding to combat crime and drug trafficking;
Expand municipal Community Safety and Well-Being plans.
Brandon Mayor Jeff Fawcett says “There have been some infrastructure commitments in this campaign, but we need to see more. Building and maintaining core infrastructure – from water and wastewater to broadband – is a priority for all municipalities and this hasn’t received enough attention in this campaign.”
He also says “All parties have heard municipalities appeals for more paramedics, doctors, and nurses – and for training opportunities in all regions of this province. This is a win. We are also encouraged to see significant discussion on expediting international trades and professional credentials.”
The Association of Manitoba Municipalities is comprised of the mayors, reeves, and councillors that represent all of Manitoba’s 137 municipalities.
