Lower taxes guaranteed each year under a re-elected PC government to help Manitobans make ends meet: Stefanson

To create bigger paycheques for all Manitobans, a re-elected PC government will cut the tax rate on the lowest provincial income tax bracket in half over the next four years, representing a 1.35% tax reduction annually, PC Leader Heather Stefanson announced today.

For the average income of $50,000, that amounts to savings of $1,900 per year by 2028, or roughly the equivalent of an extra paycheque every year, providing long-term tax relief for Manitobans.

“The cost-of-living crisis requires more than temporary action. It requires ongoing commitment,” Stefanson said. “Manitobans are worried about the very real plan of tax increases under the NDP, and the PCs are the only party committed to permanently lowering taxes. Wab Kinew wants to bribe Manitobans with temporary measures— we’re here to help them for the long term.”

The promised tax changes are made possible by strong provincial revenues and the early results of economic development initiatives undertaken by the PC government, Stefanson said. The changes will be done with fiscal responsibility in mind, and will build on historic tax measures in Budget 2023, which increased the Basic Personal Amount and resulted in an extra $75 per month in tax savings for Manitobans.

In fact, the provincial budget will be balanced by 2025 under a re-elected PC government, Stefanson said. That’s two years ahead of schedule, and all while lowering taxes and making record investments into healthcare, education, and infrastructure across Manitoba.

“There is a lot of instability in the world, but here’s something you can count on: a re-elected PC government guarantees that, each year, your taxes will go down,” Stefanson said. “Manitobans can also rest assured that these savings will not come at the expense of the services they need, want, and deserve.”

Kathleen Cook, PC candidate for Roblin, said the tax savings would be helpful to families like hers.

“With four kids, expenses really stack up. Grocery costs, sports programs, gas, and heating — and that’s not even mentioning all the taxes on top! I hear this from people all over,” said Cook. “People need relief that they can count on. They need a party that is willing to fight to put more money back in their pockets.”

Wajih Zeid, store manager and operator of the Food Fare on Portage Avenue in St. James, sees the financial challenges confronting shoppers every day.

“As a grocer, I’ve seen how people are struggling to make ends meet,” said Zeid. “I’m confident that this permanent and guaranteed tax relief will help Manitobans feed their families with every single paycheque.”

Manitobans also continue to be punished by the unfair NDP-Liberal Carbon Tax, and the PCs have previously committed to fighting the carbon tax on Manitoba Hydro. Now, with a favourable legal opinion, a re-elected PC government will instruct Manitoba Hydro to immediately remove the carbon tax from all Hydro bills within the first 10 days of a new PC mandate, Stefanson said.

“This is just the start of our plan to help you make ends meet, keep our health-care system on the road to recovery, fight violent crime, and create jobs, growth and opportunities in every corner of Manitoba,” said Stefanson. “We are the only party truly fighting for Manitobans.”

The provincial election will be held on October 3, 2023.

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