Following this week's throne speech from the Progressive Conservative provincial government, some Chamber of Commerce representatives are giving two thumbs up.

Portage la Prairie and District Chamber of Commerce Dave Omichinski notes some highlights.

"Thumbs up reaction. There weren't any surprises consistent with what their platform was. But thumbs up. Commitment to implementing a comprehensive, in their words, value for money review across government... in other words, looking at where they can save some money."

He gives an example.

"I think I had heard something directed to each of the departments to look for as little as 1 - 1.5% in terms of savings. That adds up to hundreds of millions of dollars, or tens of millions."

Omichinski also notes the Fair Share Say Fair campaign was addressed.

"Mention was made of establishing 'Fair Say' for municipalities on strategic infrastructure investments. The Portage Chamber, the Manitoba Chambers, and the A.M.M., have been petitioning the province on that for quite some time."

He says this government is interested in pursuing the New West Partnership Agreement, that currently involves BC, Alberta and Saskatchewan, which for some reason was not an interest to the previous government. Omichinski notes it only makes sense in terms of working together with our partners to the west to break down barriers and look at creating more business opportunities.

Omichinski says Travel Manitoba's plan 96/4 confirms the continuation of funding which is huge payback in terms of the investments and economic impact that it generates. He notes it more than pays for itself.

And in regard to creating a business advisory that's called the Premier's Enterprise Team, he notes the government is reaching out to business in terms of working with them, seeking their input, along with the Association of Manitoba Municipalities collaboration. Omichinski says, "That's the name of the game."

When asked if the vague and overspreading tone of the speech was a concern to him, Omichinski says, "It was a five page throne speech, not lengthy. It provides a clear direction of what the priorities are for the government. Certain words not being used was not alarming." He notes May 31st sees the tabling of the plans when we'll know where our finances are as a province.

He pointed back to the Strategic Infrastructure project. "That includes improved flood protection. From a Portage and District Chamber perspective, we've been harping on that since back in 2014 with limited real progress being made on it. That is very positive to see it being a clear priority since it was covered specifically in the throne speech."

Omichinski says it's a positive change for the provincial government seeing as a lot of rural representation is now on board.

"Regarding the change of government from a Portage and District, and rural Manitoba perspective, one concern has always been that the previous government was Winnipeg focused. But the current cabinet make-up, the fact that Brian comes from our rural area background, bodes well for rural Manitoba and the business community."

He outlines some challenges he sees.

"We know there's a huge deficit dollar amount. The previous government tabled a $773 million deficit, and that may be closer to a billion dollars. So, that creates challenges."

Omichinski says the speech is broad-based, but in a good way.

"Taking a board approach to expense reduction across all departments... during the election critical editorials were trying to pin the premier down. Pallister says there are no sacred cows. He was criticized for that. But why would you not look across the board? If there's an opportunity for cost savings, let's take advantage of that. I like the approach they're taking in terms of it being broad-based across the board. Tone, direction and approach are indicated in the throne speech despite its reputation for being notoriously ambiguous. It's consultative in nature. My interactions at a ministerial level in the previous government were so frustrating and discouraging. 'I got elected, therefore I have all the answers and I am not interested in listening to you.' The throne speech is not saying that. It bodes well."

Noting more about the rural membership in the government, Omichinski shares what effects he thinks it will have from a Chamber perspective.

"It will bring the rural voice to caucus which was absent previously. It's not just rural representation, but also some strong business background from many of the caucus members. It's just a different attitude in term s of looking at things and finances, and understanding you need to afford things, and set priorities and follow them."