Local MLAs are optimistic about the future, following the Progressive Conservative's first Throne Speech yesterday afternoon. Interlake MLA Derek Johnson, one of the new members elected, says he's excited not only by the commitment to make Manitoba 'the most improved province', but also by a commitment to invest in flood infrastructure around Lake Manitoba. 

Derek Johnson

"It's a huge step forward for Manitoba. Being the most improved province, a big portion of that comes with the people around Lake Manitoba getting peace of mind through infrastructure investment."

Johnson's also excited about the commitment to boost tourism funding, which would see four per cent of tourism sector based revenue being put back into Travel Manitoba.

"There are many things, tourism will really help the people of Interlake. That's one thing we really wanted a step forward on. The spin-off, obviously, is all the jobs and it's just going to be an amazing positive for the Interlake."

Morris MLA Shannon Martin remarked on the overall positive tone of the speech. He notes while the last government often focused on challenges of the past, this presentation

Shannon Martionreally focused on creating a bright future. He says one of the most exciting aspects of the presentation was a commitment to increase the number of personal care home beds.

"That's an issue near and dear to my heart, and an issue that constantly came up on the campaign trail in the community. There's a need throughout this province for personal care home beds, a need that hadn't been dealt with, as identified by the Auditor General."

Meanwhile Midland MLA Blaine Pedersen, who's also the Minister for Infrastructure, says he's most excited about the significant funding commitment to infrastructure, along with plans to engage municipal leaders to identify infrastructure needs. 

Blaine Pedersen

"Really, we'll get into specifics as the legislature continues, but the billion dollar commitment for infrastructure was in there, and we plan to work on that to implement it."

With the Throne Speech presented, MLAs now get down to work to create the provincial budget, which is expected to be released in the coming weeks.