While he's still looking at the finer details, Portage la Prairie's mayor says he's pleased by what he has seen from the Progressive Conservative's first budget. He describes the 2016 provincial budget as thoughtful and pragmatic, with a long-term view. He notes from a local perspective, there are a number of commitments that will directly benefit Portage, including the $1.8 billion in strategic infrastructure investment.

"They reiterated in the budget a fair say for infrastructure funding. The province is one of our biggest partners, so that's important. They talked about increased investment in tourism, which is something that could provide a benefit to Portage and area, and the entire province."

Ferris says there were few surprises in yesterday's budget speech, adding much of it focused on the promises made during the spring's election campaign.

"They certainly followed through on the campaign promises that we heard. There will be cuts to ambulance fees that people pay, there are also changes to the income tax act in terms of what's called bracket creep. They'll be raising the minimum incomes so a number of low income people won't be paying income tax anymore. They mentioned, again, a commitment to climate change with a carbon pricing model, but there were no details on that."

Ferris says the presentation of the budget was well-attended, with everyone feeling very positive.