The Government of Manitoba announced that it will provide more than $400 million to municipalities across the province for emergency response and damage prevention measures to better protect Manitobans.
Premier Pallister made the announcement during an address to the Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM) annual convention in Brandon.
“Our greatest duty as a government is to keep Manitobans safe. It is a duty we all share and a duty we take very seriously,” said Pallister.
The government is rolling out a new public safety communications system to replace the province’s outdated system. The new system will allow emergency personnel, conservation officers, and forest-fire crews a better communication tool that will enable them to work more efficiently and safer.
Pallister noted that the new system is set to cost $380 million and the cost will not be borne by municipalities, which will alleviate the financial burden on local governments. He added that adding the new public safety communications service will cost close to $20 million a year when it comes online in 2021.
The province previously announced a new digital two-way mobile radio system that is promised to provide better coverage over a more secure network. The radio system is expected to be fully functional by 2021 to replace FleetNet, which is currently used by municipalities, emergency services, as well as the VHF radio system used by conservation officers and forest-fighting crews.
AMM President, Ralph Groening said that the association commends the government for committing to fully fund the annual operating costs of the new communications system.
“Reliable communications technology is vital for saving lives, keeping first responders safe and protecting local communities in times of an emergency, said Groening. “This commitment allows municipalities to focus on these priorities through reduced red tape and more efficient use of taxpayer dollars for the benefit of all.”
Pallister also announced a one-time capital investment of up to $45 million for damage prevention and climate resiliency measures, allocated in three equal portions:
-$15 million for municipalities within the capital region,
-$15 million for municipalities outside the capital region, and
-$15 million for previously identified provincial priorities to provide greater protection.
The $45 million will be redistributed from next year’s budget, previously earmarked for the Lake Manitoba Outlet Channel.
Pallister said that the government is continuing to work to complete the Lake Manitoba Outlet Channel, but a lack of progress has delayed the project.
The province also committed to investing an additional $3 million for spring flood preparedness, to be spent according to the priorities of the AMM and the Winnipeg Metro Region.
A panel of representatives from the AMM, Winnipeg Metro Region, and the province, including the Climate and Green office, will decide where the money will be spent.
