he Manitoba government unveiled its new agenda, ‘Path to Progressing Together’, which focuses on working together with all Manitobans to build a stronger, healthier and more inclusive province, Premier Heather Stefanson announced today.
Delivered by the Lt.-Gov. Janice C. Filmon at the opening of the fourth session of the 42nd legislature, the speech from the throne sets out the new premier’s vision for a strong economic and social recovery, with a focus on the health and well-being of all Manitobans.
“Our government is embarking on a path in a new direction; we are committed to working side by side with all Manitobans in the spirit of collaboration, co-operation and reconciliation,” said Stefanson. ”As we continue to address the challenges posed by COVID-19, we are also focused on creating a stronger, more sustainable health-care system, providing greater supports for families, seniors and vulnerable Manitobans, improving education and training opportunities, and laying the ground work to foster investment, job creation and economic growth.”
Key initiatives of the Path to Progressing Together agenda include:
- working with Indigenous leaders, elders, knowledge keepers, families and community members to advance shared goals and seek reconciliation, healing and a path forward together;
- removing barriers that delay Manitobans from getting the medical care they urgently need;
- addressing the nursing shortage with increased and targeted training opportunities;
- implementing a renewed seniors strategy so aging Manitobans are able to stay safe in their own homes, close to family and their personal support systems, for as long as they choose;
- improving access and co-ordination of mental health and addictions services;
- working with community partners to meet the needs of single parents, Indigenous youth and people with disabilities;
- expanding supports for those experiencing family violence;
- accelerating the implementation of the federal-provincial agreement on early learning and child care;
- improving the kindergarten to Grade 12 education system to better prepare students for their future;
- promoting collaboration between advanced education and training institutions and employers to provide Manitobans with the right skills to succeed that meet the evolving needs of the labour market;
- advancing the Skills, Talent and Knowledge Strategy to accelerate post-pandemic economic recovery;
- ensuring Indigenous and new Canadian students are given opportunities to participate in post-secondary education and training;
- partnering with the federal government to boost immigration and provincial nominee programs;
- implementing a venture capital framework to attract international investment and help businesses grow at all stages of their development;
- committing to a renewed partnership with the Government of Canada to advance shared priorities and opportunities including transportation and strategic infrastructure, agriculture and food production;
- creating a greener Manitoba with an energy policy framework to explore innovative technologies that will reduce emissions and stimulate the economy;
- modernizing and expanding the City of Winnipeg’s waste-water treatment system; and
- preserving nature and heritage spaces, and promoting tourism and the arts and culture sector throughout Manitoba.
“Our government is here to listen to Manitobans, to engage and collaborate with Indigenous leaders, all levels of government, business leaders and owners, members of the public sector, the private sector and non-profit organizations so we can emerge from this pandemic together,” said Stefanson. “While we still face difficulties, I am confident that together, we can build a more prosperous, inclusive and safe future for all Manitobans.”
To read the speech from the throne, visit www.manitoba.ca/thronespeech.
(Via Manitoba Government)
