Manitoba's new Progressive Conservative government has unveiled their plans, as Lieutenant Governor Janice Filmon delivered the speech from the throne at the Legislature this afternoon. It echoed many of the promises made during the campaign leading up to the election, including a hard look at government spending, and improvements to education. One project specifically mentioned included the need for an additional outlet on Lake Manitoba.

Portage la Prairie MLA Ian Wishart notes the speech didn't contain any specific announcements for the Portage area, but notes there is a commitment to increase engagement with municipal and indigenous leaders, as well as all Manitobans.

"There was nothing really specific for Portage out of this one. This is more of a high level direction of the government, but I think people in Portage and all across Manitoba will find this is a government that's much more ready to engage its people."

However, Wishart says there are a number of commitments that will benefit the Portage area, and communities across Manitoba. As education and Training Minister, Wishart's pleased to be moving forward with a commitment to engage front-line education stakeholders, in an effort to improve Manitoba students' success.

"It very much reflected what we campaigned on, that we want to move forward, and get some changes for Manitoba. We want to get Manitobans engaged with their government, an open and honest government. We want to make some improvements, especially in education as was referenced in the Throne Speech. We want to focus on earlier years, better literacy and better numeracy."

Also included in the throne speech was the creation of a task force to address emergency wait times, creating a 'made-in-Manitoba' climate action plan, and restoring referendums on major tax increases. With the legislative session fully underway, the first Progressive Conservative budget's expected in a few weeks.