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Manitoba Budget 2022 response

Published April 13, 2022

This week the Manitoba government released its 2022 budget focused largely on healthcare. Housing that is safe, secure and affordable will always be important for good health and well-being. But for many Manitobans, access to housing that meets their needs and is affordable continues to be a growing challenge.

This budget outlines a decrease in capital investments in housing, which will impact Manitoba Housing tenants and the non-profit organizations that have sponsor management agreements and capital repair needs.

The budget also proposes a Renters Credit to all renters, except those receiving Employment and Income Assistance, an annual credit of $525. Manitobans in social housing, including those who pay rent-geared-to-income rents, and those receiving non-EIA Rent Assist, will qualify for the Renters Credit for the first time. This is an investment of $24 million.

“Housing co-ops want to be a part of solving the housing crisis in Manitoba,” says Maria Vaiaso, Manager Prairie Region. “We remain committed to advocating for continued rental assistance programs, so more people can experience the community and stability that co-ops offer.”

Currently Manitoba Housing is reviewing the assistance needs of low-income co-op members on a case-by-case basis. While this is a good step, it has fostered a lot of uncertainty. This also hinders the financial sustainability of co-ops and their capacity to make long-term capital plans for repair and renewal. We are calling on the Manitoba government to support low-income households through long-term rental assistance programs.

We also support the recommendations put forward by the Manitoba Non-Profit Housing Association, including a call for a long-term capital funding program, sustainable resources for tenants within non-profit housing, and an Indigenous-led housing strategy.

Given the recent federal commitments to support new co-op housing development, we look forward to seeing the province respond to this opportunity, and work with co-ops and non-profit housing providers, to have federal and provincial funding support the growth of non-market housing in the province.


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