There are a large number of people who believe that Manitoba is weathering the “economic storm” better than other provinces because of Gary Doer. I’m sure you can guess that I don’t agree with that idea. While Federal transfer payments ($2.063 billion for 08/09) have certainly paid for government projects that are employing thousands of Manitobans, our current economic situation is lacklustre compared to what it could be.
Manitoba’s stability is based on having a diversified economy that includes a mix of agriculture, resources, manufacturing and services. While a general economic downturn affects Manitoba, is doesn’t affect our province as quickly or as severely as other provinces because we don’t have an economy tied heavily to one sector. This diversity has always been Manitoba’s strength, but it’s a strength that has been underused.
There are several important steps that need to be taken to strengthen our economy:
- Increase funding for Research and Development: with R&D spending that is among the lowest in Canada, our province’s high tech industries are not being properly nurtured.
- Phase out the Payroll Tax: not only is this a tax on growth, it also results in lower wages for Manitobans compared to other provinces.
- Invest more in Infrastructure: After forty years of underfunding, Manitoba’s infrastructure (including roads, bridges, water and waste) has been in crisis for years. The talk nowadays is for improvements in infrastructure around CentrePort, but this plan fails to account for other serious shortfalls in infrastructure renewal.
- Reduce Personal Income Taxes: Personal income taxes have a bigger impact on regional growth differences than corporate income taxes.
- Organize a Small and Medium-Sized Business Fund: Sound businesses that create jobs and enhance our economic diversity should be given access to start-up, expansion, and research grants.
- Create a Culture of Energy Innovation at Manitoba Hydro: there is not enough work being done to use other renewables such as wind, geothermal, and biofuel from waste products. Energy R&D in Alberta and British Columbia are preparing those provinces to lead energy sectors in the reconomy, while Manitoba’s alternative energy programs are faltering.
Manitoba should not be a have-not province. British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan are all have provinces. Out of all four Western provinces, Manitoba has the best energy prospects and economic diversification. We also have a cultural dynamic that welcomes immigrants, and we have a hard-working and young population ready to continue our economic development. With all of these assets, there is no excuse for Manitoba not moving towards becoming a have province.
We need a change in our legislature to move the good ideas forward. We need more independent voices to offer opinions that aren’t part of the tired NDP and Tory playbooks.
Regan Wolfrom 