Manitoba's legislators are still weighing in on this week's federal budget. Minister of Indigenous and Municipal Relations and Agassiz MLA Eileen Clarke says as they continue to analyze the numbers there are certainly some elements of the budget with which they're pleased. Clarke notes the continued emphasis on federal investments in infrastructure is one that always interests them, adding they look forward to working with Ottawa as they develop phase two of the infrastructure proposal. She says the other element which was very encouraging was the significant commitment to indigenous health.

Clarke notes having worked with municipalities in the past she knows there's always a shortfall for infrastructure funding, so she's looking forward to meeting her federal counterparts in June to discuss phase two of the program. She adds although there are some very serious financial issues to deal with here in Manitoba, she feels very optimistic as the provincial government works to prepare its own budget.