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2006 Manitoba Alternative Budget: Investing in Tomorrow, Today

Research Report by N/A

Even though there have been positive signs in the Manitoban economy, this paper cautions that problems lie ahead: a) a growing gap between rich and poor; b) the inequality between women and men in income; c) poor environmental policy; d) a growing concern for farmers; e) a failing health care system; and f) a crumbling urban infrastructure. The authors disagree with the government’s plan to cut taxes to solve these problems. While the authors note that some think tax cuts create greater competition, leading to better results, they dispute this position. For example, the authors highlight findings by the World Economic Forum, which suggested the most competitive areas were also high-tax countries. By being committed to tax cuts and balanced budgets at the same time, in the authors view, Manitoba will be unable to deal with potential problems, and is likely to experience a downturn in the economy.

Given the difference in philosophy, the authors present an alternative provincial budget that provides the government with more opportunity to combat these developing problems. It suggests beginning with a reversal in personal income tax cuts, followed by the introduction of new taxes and policy instruments that act to prevent harmful activities such as pollution. Finally, it advocates the government running a small deficit, with more money used to invest in social programs, such as education, child care and anti-poverty programs.

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Policy Publication Details

Author(s):	N/A;
Publisher:	Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives [ Visit Website ]
Year Published:	2006;	Publisher Type:	Research Institute
Publicly Available:	Yes	Research Focus:	Provincial;
Registration Required:	No	Language:	English
Payment Required:	No	Publication Format:	Adobe PDF

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Keywords / Tags:

budget; childcare; environment; agriculture; inner city; education; economy; investment; gender; taxes; democracy; training; affordable housing; North; justice; water;