The MLA for Steinbach says lowering the PST brings trust back into government.

The Conservative Government announced today that our Provincial Sales Tax will drop from 8 per cent down to 7 per cent on July 1st, fulfilling a commitment made by the party in power.

Kelvin Goertzen says in 2013, the New Democrats raised the PST after promising not to. He recalls filibusters and sitting through the summer at the Legislature in an effort to get NDP MLAs to change their mind. But on July 1st of that year it rose from 7 per cent to 8 per cent.

During the 2016 provincial election campaign, the Conservatives committed to reducing the PST if elected and that it would happen in their first term. The Conservatives were eventually elected and now less than three years later have announced plans to fulfill their promise.

Goertzen says by lowering the PST on July 1st, they achieve two things. First of all, they do the right thing fiscally by putting more money into the pockets of Manitobans. But not only that, he says this move brings trust back into government.

"That there are governments that keep their promises and they do what they say they are going to do," he says. "We committed to reducing the PST, many people said you wouldn't be able to do it, and we can do it."

And he says, what is so amazing is that they are reducing taxes while reducing the deficit.

"Back when the NDP were in government, they were increasing taxes and increasing the deficit at the same time," recalls Goertzen. "We are reducing taxes while we are reducing the deficit."

Budget 2019 forecasts a summary deficit of $360 million for the 2019-20 fiscal year. This is $161 million less than the deficit projected in Budget 2018.

The next provincial election in Manitoba is scheduled for October 6, 2020. That is still a year and a half away, but with the Conservatives announcing the PST reduction well before the end of their first term, some have questioned whether this is foreshadowing an early election call.

"Ultimately the Premier will determine when the next election is," says Goertzen. "But whenever it is, I'm going to feel proud to be able to go to the door and say, we promised we would reduce the PST for you and we have."

Meanwhile, Goertzen says another highlight from Budget 2019 is the reduction in ambulance fees. When his party took power, Goertzen says ambulance fees were between $500 and $550.

"I heard before the election and certainly when I was Health Minister that there were a number of people who were choosing to drive themselves or have somebody drive them to a hospital rather than call for 911 and get the help at their home," recalls Goertzen.

Ambulance fees will be lowered to $250.

"Really important I think for those who rely on that sort of care so they don't have to make the decision between their health and whether or not they should call an ambulance," he says.

Goertzen says Budget 2019 also highlights the expansion of the Mitchell Elementary School and Rest Haven personal care home in Steinbach.

"I'd say it's a great news budget," says Goertzen. "Taxes are going down, the deficit is going down and buildings are going up in Steinbach. So I think that's a really, really positive thing."

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PST Dropping July 1st