Portage la Prairie's mayor says despite a lack of specific details, yesterday's Throne Speech could mean good things for Manitoba. Irvine Ferris says one aspect he's excited about is the government's plan to provide four per cent of the province's tourism sector related revenue back to Travel Manitoba.

"It was a little bit short on details but there were aspects I heard that I liked. They indicated, as they had in the campaign, an increased focus on tourism. That's an area important for our area, and an area we could grow here in Portage also."

He also notes the pledge of a billion dollars annually for infrastructure, as well as plans to increase engagement with municipal leaders on infrastructure plans. One area he says was a pleasant surprise was the Progressive Conservatives plan to create a made in Manitoba climate change action plan.

"They did make reference to carbon pricing as a way to combat climate change, so it's really good to hear an acknowledgement of the challenges we face in Portage, the area, and throughout the province with climate change. Again, no details on it but it was a good step forward."

Ferris says overall, the new provincial government has set the bar high, especially when it comes to creating more competition with other provinces. He's looking forward to more details coming forward in the provincial budget, as well as the financial update expected later this week.