Throne speech identifies provincial government’s priorities heading into 2018

University of Manitoba alumna Lt.-Gov. Janice Filmon [BScHEc/63, LLD/11] read the speech from the throne on Nov. 21, outlining the provincial government’s priorities on the economy, reconciliation, child care, health care and education, among other areas.

On the subject of post-secondary education, the province’s throne speech offers:

“We will continue to work with our post-secondary institutions to ensure their programs remain innovative and aligned with the needs of today’s rapidly evolving labour market, to better position our graduates to find jobs.”

On the subject of reconciliation, the throne speech said the government is “committed to advancing reconciliation by fostering mutually respectful relationships between the Crown and Indigenous peoples. The Minister of Indigenous and Northern Relations will soon report on our progress, and lead our government’s participation in the development of a Reconciliation Strategy.”

“Over the next year, Manitoba will begin a public engagement process in collaboration with Indigenous communities and all Manitobans, to develop a comprehensive Reconciliation Framework and Action Plan for advancing Indigenous priorities,” said the government in its throne speech.

U of M President and Vice-Chancellor David Barnard welcomed the chance to hear the priorities of the provincial government.

“The University of Manitoba looks forward to continuing to work with the province on advancing shared priorities, including inspiring innovation to ensure Manitoba’s competitiveness into the future and leading a conversation on reconciliation and Indigenous engagement,” said Barnard. “As Manitoba’s only research-intensive post-secondary institution, the University of Manitoba plays a critical role in driving economic and social prosperity in this province.”

The full throne speech can be found on the province’s website.