Winnipeg, MB—The Honourable Jim Carr, Minister and Special Representative for the
Prairies, met with 14 mayors and reeves from the Interlake Region to discuss Budget 2021 and the Government of Canada’s plans to stimulate local economies and improve the quality of life for all Manitobans.
This includes over $72.5 million provided to 136 communities in Manitoba through the Gas
Tax Fund in 2020-2021, which allowed municipalities to plan important infrastructure projects, while creating jobs in their communities.
Throughout the pandemic, municipal leaders in Manitoba and across Canada have been at the forefront,leading their communities and connecting their citizens with the support they need. During the meeting, they discussed pandemic support packages, including the Rent Subsidy and Lockdown Support programs, which helped more than 9,000 Manitoba businesses with rent, mortgage, and other expenses, and new initiatives, like the Canada Recovery Hiring Program proposed in Budget 2021, which will help offset a portion of the extra costs that employers take on as businesses reopen.
Minister Carr also highlighted the creation of a new Prairie Economic Development Agency that will include a 70 percent increase in funding and more resources dedicated to enabling and facilitating the Western Canadian economy.
The Government of Canada is committed to working directly with municipalities on our shared priorities as we plan a recovery that is more inclusive and puts Canada on a path for future prosperity.
Quotes:
“With more people getting vaccinated every day, we are able to turn our attention to what Canada’s future will look like. We know recovery is going to look different in every region and will require different programming that responds to local needs. Discussions like these will help ensure federal policies reflect the unique needs of Manitobans so we can build a recovery that works for our province.”
-The Honourable Jim Carr, Minister and Special Representative for the Prairies and Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South Centre
“The Interlake Caucus was pleased to meet with Minister Carr and discuss issues of importance to our region as we begin the road to recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. We thank the federal government for their support for municipalities through programs like the Gas Tax Fund and their ongoing commitment to engaging with municipalities.”
-His Worship Larry Johannson, Mayor of Selkirk and Chair of the Manitoba Interlake Caucus
