What to Expect
On Monday, Premier Stefanson announced changes to her cabinet, including welcoming four brand-new faces to the table:
- Janice Morley-Lecomte, MLA for Seine River, as minister of mental health and community wellness;
- James Teitsma, MLA for Radisson, as minister of the reframed Department of Consumer Protection and Government Services;
- Ibrahim (Obby) Khan, MLA for Fort Whyte, as minister of sport, culture and heritage; and
- Kevin Klein, MLA for Kirkfield Park, as minister of the refreshed Department of Environment and Climate Change.
The announcement also sees a shuffle to the executive council, including, most notably, Cliff Cullen, who, while recently revealed their intention to not run in the upcoming election, will remain as deputy premier but also assumes the role of finance minister.
Premier Stefanson also noted that the fourth and final step of the Manitoba government renewal, namely a shuffle of deputy ministers, will occur in due course.
As Chair of the Council of the Federation, the council comprised of Canada’s Premiers, Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson will be engrossed on February 7 thanks to a meeting with the Prime Minister. This meeting will be focused on addressing healthcare spending.
Premier Moe will also likely be focused on the meeting. With the Saskatchewan First Act on the books and a recent spat between Premier Moe and the Prime Minister over Trudeau’s recent visit, tensions between the two may be a focus in media and politics over the course of the week.
The Week That Was
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan will invest $6 million into livestock and forage research activities via the Agriculture Development Fund (ADF).
Almost $20 million in joint funding from the federal and provincial governments has been announced and will be directed toward 25 infrastructure initiatives throughout the province.
Manitoba
Winnipeg’s Waverley West neighbourhood is the new home to a $32-million kindergarten to Grade 8 school that welcomed its first cohort of students yesterday.
Premier Heather Stefanson is increasing affordability by announcing a new $200-million Carbon Tax Relief Fund.
Manitoba has announced investments in critical infrastructural developments that add up to a total of $850 million, prioritizing the following investments:
- $200 million in cash payments to Manitobans from the Carbon Tax Relief Fund;
- $318 million to address pressures in the health care system;
- $120 million for community and economic development and growth;
- $50 million to support Ukraine relief efforts in Manitoba; and
- $20.7 million in previously announced federal grants that the Manitoba government is allocating to municipalities for transit funding.
Up to $100 million is being dedicated to eight municipal rural development projects, including the City of Portage la Prairie’s expansion of the city’s water treatment plant.
