MBiz

11 MBiz | november 2015 C cmyk b&w brian PaLLister: The biggest opportunity is, in one word, "partnership." Manitoba business needs a government that works alongside with them, not above them. This means a government that invests with business where it needs to and gets out of the way of business where it has to. This demands a new vision and relationship by government with the private sector and others. Government needs to be a reliable partner that works to make Manitoba more competitive and innovative. We are the crossroads of Canada. We cannot afford to put up barriers to trade, investment, tourism, and ideas to grow our economy. We see four crucial areas we need to partner to grow our economy and create opportunity for Manitobans: First Nations – by supporting Urban Economic Development Zones and recognizing the Duty to Consult as a means of moving forward on natural resources projects. The New West Partnership – by joining with our western neighbours, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia, to reduce internal trade barriers and ensure Manitoba businesses can bid and compete on contracts. Northern Manitoba – by "Yes North," our new initiative to grow the economy in Northern Manitoba by promoting strategic economic development and tourism, attracting new companies, assisting entrepreneurs and facilitating expansion of existing businesses to provide quality jobs and a stronger economy in the North. Tourism – by creating a joint provincial, municipal, and private sector partnership led by the premier to promote and market Manitoba and its tourism potential across Canada and in the United States. Partnering for prosperity is what our Progressive Conservative opportunity plan is about. greg seLinger: Manitoba has one of the fastest-growing economies in the country, according to Statistics Canada. For the first time in a decade, our province is competing with provinces like Saskatchewan. We need to continue to work closely with business leaders, our post-secondary institutions, and economic development agencies to ensure that the investments we make are strategic and aimed at creating jobs, and providing more opportunities for young people in our province. Manitoba works best when we all work together. What is your party's plan to grow Manitoba's economy in the short, medium and long-term? greg seLinger: Global economic growth remains stubborn following the Great Recession. While Manitoba's economy is doing very well compared with other provinces, we are still not growing at the same rate we were before 2009. We have rejected the cuts and austerity measures that some other governments have chosen, and instead focused on making strategic investments that grow our economy, like infrastructure and new Manitoba Hydro projects. These investments not only have immediate benefits like direct jobs created from building and repairing infrastructure, but have many long-term economic benefits that grow our economy in the future. At the same time, we are focused on working directly with post-secondary institutions and K-12 schools in order to create and provide more training opportunities for young Manitobans in the skilled trades, science, math, and technology. CoNTiNued oN NexT Page >>

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