Manitoba premier-designate Wab Kinew promised more funding for municipalities on Tuesday (Oct 10). He did not offer specifics, but reportedly said his party would not freeze funding and will provide a multi-year funding outlook.
In a media release, Kinew said “Today, I was honoured to take part in collaborative, constructive discussions with key municipal officials, including Association of Manitoba Municipalities President Kam Blight, Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham and Brandon Mayor Jeff Fawcett, to start implementing effective solutions to the challenges facing Manitobans.
I was pleased to speak with Mr. Blight about the importance of health care and infrastructure investments, solutions for rural crime, and ensuring rural voices are heard at the table.
During our meeting at city hall, Mayor Gillingham and I further strengthened the positive working relationship between the Manitoba government and the City of Winnipeg and re-affirmed our commitment to working co-operatively for the benefit of Winnipeggers and all Manitobans. Our discussions today focused on strategic action to end chronic homelessness and crack down on drug trafficking.
I was also pleased to speak with Mayor Fawcett to discuss the role Brandon and the Westman region play in Manitoba’s economy and our commitment to support the agricultural sector. We also spoke about our shared priority of addressing chronic homelessness and drug trafficking in Brandon.
Today’s productive discussions were the first of many and I remain committed to making life better for Manitobans.”
Kinew is expected to be sworn in next week as the province’s new premier.
