The Manitoba government outlined a blueprint to save money and protect frontline services in its throne speech yesterday, despite inheriting an $846,000,000 deficit.

"It's an enormous challenge that faces us as a province," Finance Minister Cameron Friesen says. "When it comes to deficit reduction, some would say we're moving too fast, others would say we're not moving quickly enough. We think that we've struck a balance, a way to really turn this vessel."

However, Friesen says they'll continue investing in frontline services, "We can't do that if government is continuing to overspend," he says.

Friesen notes it's important to continue to invest, while measuring for results.

"But we're asking broader questions as well, both with our financial review of government, and in particular a health review we're embarking on," he says. "We're asking questions about value for money, and effectiveness. Because the question isn't how much money we spend, the question is "is it working?""

The restoration of a referendum law on major tax increases was also included in yesterday's Throne Speech.

Friesen says Manitobans pay their share of taxes, and understands families work hard to balance their own books.

"As a government, we want to help with that work," Friesen says.

The Throne Speech debate will begin this week and run into next week, with the Legislature likely rising next Thursday or Friday.