In voting against the 2024-2027 municipal budget, Coun. Russ Wyatt stated that decades of low property taxes have resulted in “self-imposed austerity”, limiting the ability of the city to deliver services ( Mayor, councillors vote overwhelmingly for city’s multi-year operating, capital budgets, March 20).
As the City of Winnipeg implements a budget including cuts to recreation and library services, Coun. Wyatt is correct to note the “self-imposed austerity” created by the city’s property tax policy.
Government finance
Previously published in the Winnipeg Free Press March 25, 2024
MANITOBANS play, sing, act, and dance as well as other Canadians do, and it’s time for our provincial government to fund the places and spaces through which we express ourselves through culture, play, and art.
Previously published in the Winnipeg Free Press, March 6, 2024
The first budget of the new Manitoba government needs to shore up tax revenue to pay for essential public services and act on costly social and environmental challenges in Manitoba. This starts with reversing regressive tax cuts.
Honourable Minister of Finance, government officials, delegates and participants, I am pleased to present the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives Manitoba budget submission.
The CCPA is Canada’s leading progressive research institute. We publish peer-reviewed research on a range of public policy issues.
Previously published in the Winnipeg Free Press December 18, 2023
The following is an open letter to the Premier and Government of Manitoba. We are looking for more signatures to this letter, both organizations and individuals. We will re-release the letter with a larger group of signatures early in the new year.
December 13, 2023
Dear Premier Kinew and the Manitoba Government,
The last few years have been quite the ride. Navigating the ups and downs of the COVID-19 pandemic, government support, and the cost of living has been a social and economic rollercoaster in many respects, leaving many wondering if things will ever settle down. Despite the push to move on, the effects of COVID-19 are still with us: lost loved ones, long-term disability, delayed surgeries, amplified mental health challenges, homelessness, and students trying to catch up.