Four Manitobans shared their thoughts on Manitoba’s provincial budget day with Global News and 680 CJOB. Gorete Tavares, a single mother, discussed the rising cost of living and its impact on her clients’ mental health. She emphasized the importance of affordable mental health care services. Craig Whitman, a semi-retired real estate appraiser, highlighted the need for improvements in the healthcare system and the importance of reducing the $2 billion deficit. Sarah Jane Martin, who bought a home last year and is expecting a baby, expressed concerns about child care availability and supported increasing affordable housing options. Josh Giesbrecht, a small business owner, discussed the positive impact of the provincial gas tax holiday on businesses.
The four Manitobans agreed that mental health care is a critical area that needs more funding in the province. While they were pleased to see some funding allocated for mental health and addictions services in the budget, they believed more investment was needed to address the issue adequately. They also supported the inclusion of a safe consumption site in the budget, recognizing the importance of such facilities in preventing tragedies like overdoses. Martin praised the budget’s commitment to support new child care spaces and improve wages for child care staff, calling attention to the low pay in that sector.
The extension of the provincial gas tax holiday was welcomed by all four individuals, as it provided financial relief for businesses and consumers alike. They also emphasized the need for incentives for small businesses, such as reducing fees or offering support for job creation and economic growth. Tavares and Giesbrecht expressed their approval of the funds allocated for the search of the Prairie Green landfill, stating that it was a positive step towards addressing environmental and justice-related issues. Overall, the four Manitobans were pleasantly surprised by the budget and felt that the government had listened to their concerns regarding health care and affordability.
Gorete Tavares, Craig Whitman, Sarah Jane Martin, and Josh Giesbrecht each shared their perspectives on Manitoba’s provincial budget day. Tavares discussed the challenges of rising rent and the impact on mental health, while Whitman emphasized the need to improve the healthcare system and reduce the deficit. Martin raised concerns about child care availability, and Giesbrecht highlighted the positive effects of the gas tax holiday on small businesses. They all agreed on the importance of investing in mental health care, with Tavares, in particular, advocating for more support in that area.
While they appreciated the funding allocated for mental health and addictions services in the budget, Tavares, Whitman, Martin, and Giesbrecht believed that more needs to be done to address the mental health crisis adequately. They also supported initiatives like the safe consumption site and the commitment to increase child care spaces and improve wages. The extension of the gas tax holiday was seen as a positive measure, providing relief for businesses and consumers. They called for more incentives for small businesses and highlighted the importance of addressing environmental and justice-related issues, such as the search for the Prairie Green landfill.
In conclusion, the four Manitobans expressed their surprise and satisfaction with this year’s budget, believing that the government had listened to their concerns around health care and affordability. They commended the efforts to address mental health care needs but also called for further investment in that area. The extension of the gas tax holiday was seen as a beneficial measure, and they recommended additional incentives for small businesses to support economic growth. Overall, Tavares, Whitman, Martin, and Giesbrecht believed that the budget reflected the people’s concerns and needs, showing a step in the right direction towards a more inclusive and supportive community.
