Manitoba school tax rebate remains at 50 per cent

Manitoba’s 2024 budget was released highlighting the government’s priorities for the upcoming year. Several items were of particular interest to the agriculture sector.

Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP) General Manager Brenna Mahoney said with changes made to the School Tax Rebate for residential properties, KAP was pleased to see the 50 per cent rebate maintained for farm properties. However, she said there is more to be done on that file.

“We encourage the province to continue working toward the complete removal of the tax on farm properties and that this is taken into account when developing the new provincial education funding model,” Mahoney said.

Addressing labour challenges is an area where KAP has focused heavily. Mahoney said the budget provided some wins, including the restoration of the rural doctor recruitment fund, $1.5 million to increase apprenticeship training seats, and an investment to support the implementation of a provincial veterinary strategy.

“KAP is excited to see $135,000 announced in this budget that will go toward the implementation of the veterinary strategy, which we developed in partnership with the team at Manitoba Agriculture,” she said.

Supports for Manitoba producers included in the budget was $146.9 million for BRM program funding, the reopening of two Manitoba Agricultural Services, the creation of a Livestock Predation Prevention Strategy, extension of the gas tax by three months, freezing Ag Crown Land lease rates, and supports for young farmers.

“These components of Budget 2024 are welcomed by Manitoba producers across the province,” KAP President Jill Verwey said. “In particular, the lending fee credit through MASC for farmers under 40, increases to the Young Farmer Rebate loan amount to $300,000 and maximum rebate to $30,000 will provide significant benefits to the next generation of farmers.”

Verwey said KAP would like to see further investment in highways and infrastructure prioritized through increased capital funding, as well as legislative amendments that would enable Right to Repair for farmers.

Rural healthcare and crime were two areas identified by Manitoba producers throughout the past year as priorities, and investments in this budget reflect this as a priority, according to Verwey.

“KAP welcomes the $13.7 million increase to policing grants which support rural police services who keep communities safe, as well as the creation of a $300 security camera rebate to provide producers with some support to install security systems on-farm,” Verwey said. “We also applaud the commitment to hire 1,000 new healthcare workers and 13.5 per cent general increase in Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care.”

Other agricultural items included $30 million for the repair and upgrade to the railroad and Port of Churchill, investments in CentrePort Canada, the creation of a provincial trade strategy and creation of a value-added strategy for Manitoba farm products.