Today, Manitoba’s 2024 budget was announced by the Minister of Finance, Adrien Sala, which highlighted his government’s priorities for the upcoming year.
“While changes were made to the School Tax Rebate for residential properties, KAP is pleased to see the 50% rebate maintained for farm properties,” said KAP General Manager, Brenna Mahoney. “We encourage the province to continue working toward the complete removal of the tax on farm properties and that this is taken into account when developing the new provincial education funding model.”
Addressing labour challenges is an area where KAP has focused heavily, and this budget provided some wins, including the restoration of the rural doctor recruitment fund, $1.5 million to increase apprenticeship training seats, and an investment to support the implementation of a provincial veterinary strategy.
“KAP is excited to see $135,000 announced in this budget that will go toward the implementation of the veterinary strategy, which we developed in partnership with the team at Manitoba Agriculture,” said Mahoney.
KAP noted supports for Manitoba producers that were included in Budget 2024, such as $146.9 million for BRM program funding, the reopening of 2 MASC centres, the creation of a Livestock Predation Prevention Strategy, extension of the gas tax by three months, freezing Ag Crown Land lease rates, and supports for young farmers.
“These components of Budget 2024 are welcomed by Manitoba producers across the province,” said KAP President, Jill Verwey. “In particular, the lending fee credit through MASC for farmers under 40, increases to the Young Farmer Rebate loan amount to $300,000 and maximum rebate to $30,000 will provide significant benefits to the next generation of farmers. That said, KAP would like to see further investment in highways and infrastructure prioritized through increased capital funding, as well as legislative amendments that would enable Right to Repair for farmers.”
Rural healthcare and crime were two areas identified by Manitoba producers throughout the past year as priorities, and investments in this budget reflect this as a priority.
“KAP welcomes the $13.7 million increase to policing grants which support rural police services who keep communities safe, as well as the creation of a $300 security camera rebate to provide producers with some support to install security systems on-farm,” continued Verwey. “We also applaud the commitment to hire 1,000 new healthcare workers and 13.5% general increase in Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care.”
Other important items to highlight include $30 million for the repair and upgrade to the railroad and Port of Churchill, investments in CentrePort Canada, the creation of a provincial trade strategy and creation of a value-added strategy for Manitoba farm products.
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