Manitoba business group wants tax review; premier says she’s willing

Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson says she is open to the idea of reviewing Manitoba taxes to remain competitive with other provinces.

Stefanson told the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce she is willing to look at taxes, including the health and post-secondary education levy, which applies to companies with total payrolls above a certain level.

Other western provinces do not have such a tax, and Manitoba businesses have complained the tax makes it more expensive to expand and hire new people.

Stefanson cautioned the government cannot change things overnight and will take a measured approach as it is still working to balance the budget.

With the exception of a small surplus in 2019, the Manitoba government has not recorded a balanced budget since the fiscal year that ended in March 2009.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 12, 2022.