Responsible, Responsive Government

Manitoba became Canada’s fifth province in 1870, three years after Canadian Confederation and expanded to its present boundaries in 1912.

Like the other provinces of Canada, Manitoba is a parliamentary democracy in which the leader of the party with the largest number of seats in the Legislature (57 members) forms the provincial government and appoints cabinet ministers.

Most health-care services in Manitoba are provided to all citizens and their families free of charge through a national health insurance system that guarantees universal, equal and accessible health care. Free public education is provided from kindergarten to Grade 12, and Manitoba's four public universities and three public colleges offer high-quality advanced education with some of Canada's lowest tuition fees. This system of accessible and universal health and education contributes to Canada's high ranking on the United Nations Human Development Index – a measurement that blends GDP per capita with average lifespan and educational attainment.

The Manitoba government pursues a strategy of encouraging economic expansion through private sector investment, facilitated by public investment in the province’s intellectual and social capital.

Efficient operation of provincial services keeps many costs for businesses and individuals low. The Workers Compensation Board maintains one of the lowest average premium rates in Canada. Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation, the provincial government-owned insurance company, provides Manitobans with automobile insurance that is among the least expensive in Canada. The combined taxes and living costs for a middle-income family in Manitoba is third lowest in Canada.

In the last eight years, the Manitoba government has significantly reduced both the General Corporation Income Tax rate and the Small Business Income Tax rate, with planned reductions continuing into 2008.

Additionally, the income threshold at which small businesses are eligible for the reduced rate has been increased from $200,000 to a $400,000. A variety of tax incentives encourage investments in mining, manufacturing, film and video production and other industries.

"The Manitoba government is committed to accountable and careful management of public funds, including responsible tax reductions, and to investments in the human and social capital and public infrastructure that are preconditions for prosperity".

Gary Doer,
Premier of Manitoba