Portage la Prairie MLA Ian Wishart's liked what he saw from the province's 2017 budget.

"I think this is one that Manitobans will look back on and say we're changing the direction for Manitoba," says Wishart. "We're beginning the process of repairing the finances, rebuilding the economy, and repairing the services that Manitoba needs. There were a lot of positive messages in this, we're focusing on making sure the services Manitobans need are enhanced now and into the future."

Budget 2017 includes a 2.1 per cent increase in core government spending in 2017-18. Measures focus on addressing inherited challenges, protecting and improving front-line services and rebuilding the economy, all of which were identified as the priorities of Manitoba families, front-line workers, small businesses and employers during an unprecedented pre-budget consultation process. Wishart says one of the biggest changes he's excited about is the new Manitoba Scholarship and Bursary Initiative.

"We've taken what was previously a program that struggled to provide $4-million worth of assistance to students into one that is providing $20-million annually to students. There's also going to be an additional program that is targeted at low-income and aboriginal students of approximately $10-million a year. So between these two programs, we're convinced we'll have better access to post-secondary education that has ever existed in this province before."

Along with the new bursary initiative, a record amount will be given to the K-12 system, which went up about $13-million last year.

"We're also working through a process where we're going to consult with Manitobans as we've done on every issue we have done until now, including the budget, we're consulting with Manitobans about the future of education. I also think people will find our commitment to infrastructure funding in the province is second to none, and in particular, we'll be dealing with some of the longstanding issues around the flooding problems that have bothered many parts of Manitoba including my home constituency."