NDP Leader Makes Additional Commitments on Education, Arts and Infrastructure at Chamber Breakfast  

September 19, 2023 | Treaty 1 and Dakota Territory, Homeland of the Red River Métis, Winnipeg, MB - Today Manitoba NDP Leader Wab Kinew addressed the Manitoba Chamber to lay out several key campaign commitments including lifting the PST off new rental builds to create more affordable housing and grow the economy.  

“I know interest rates are a big problem right now,” said Kinew “Young people are struggling to find homes they can afford. A Manitoba NDP government will kickstart development of more homes in this time of high interest rates by removing the PST from new rental builds. It’s a direct incentive for builders and it will create good homes and good jobs for families across the province.”  

Kinew also laid out his party’s education commitments, promising to stop Stefanson’s cuts and invest in schools:  

• Reducing class sizes for the youngest learners so kids get more one-on-one attention. 
• Hiring more EAs to help kids with additional needs. 
• A universal nutrition program in every school across the province. 
• Working with educators, families and communities to strengthen the K-12 curriculum with a specific focus on math and reading; 
• Increasing STEM programming at high schools across the province in coordination with post-secondary institutions so Manitobans are ready for the jobs of tomorrow.  
• Creating an Assistant Deputy Minister position for Indigenous Excellence and establishing more Indigenous language programs in schools.  
• Listening to the local voices of rural communities and families and working with parents and educators to help rural students succeed.  
• Restoring the position of assistant deputy minister in the Bureau de l’education francaise that Brian Pallister cut.  

Kinew also announced a new $8 million annual investment in the creative sector to support local artists and festivals, musicians and performing arts organizations with both capital funding and grants. He promised to modernize the Film and Video Production Tax Credit by giving a cash advance upfront to companies that come to Manitoba to make movies and create jobs instead of after they’ve incurred expenses. And he pledged to bring the Tourism file back to the cabinet table with a dedicated minister.  

Kinew committed to working with the city of Winnipeg on key critical infrastructure projects to improve opportunities for recreation for families: the South Winnipeg Recreation Campus in Pembina Trails, the East End Recplex. Kinew also pledged support for the Centre Culturel Franco-Manitobain's new entrance project.  

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