The provincial government will be spending an additional $500 million as they attempt to stabilize Manitoba's economy. As Premier Brian Pallister explained in an announcement earlier today, the money will be directed towards a variety of infrastructure projects as part of a stimulus package meant to help the economy recover from the damage done by COVID-19.

“We believe these projects are vital to the growth of our communities across the province,” noted Pallister. “These projects will improve the service we provide to Manitobans, they will improve the quality of life for all Manitobans. We know the Manitoba construction industry, like all of us, has experienced a downturn in demand in recent weeks and months but we also know our Manitoba heavy construction industry and other construction industry participants are ready to work.”

The investment, being offered through the Manitoba Restart Program, will be supplementary to the $3 billion in infrastructure investments already planned for the next two years. The program will include new water and sewer projects; road and highway resurfacing/repairs; bridge repairs; municipal priorities and potential new cost-sharing construction projects with other levels of government, if such agreements can be reached.

“Today’s announcement builds on our commitment to ensure critical funding to Manitoba municipalities remains intact, despite unprecedented financial pressures on the provincial government and record borrowing levels,” said Pallister.