Flin Flon MLA Clarence Pettersen says this week’s provincial budget was a tough one due to the uncertain economy and the cost of flood protection.  He says the big move was increasing the sales tax by one percent starting July 1st.  He explained the proceeds from the tax hike go to the Manitoba Building and Renewal Fund for what they say is critical infrastructure and that includes expansion of hospitals which they hope will be starting in the future in Flin Flon with improvements to the ER, as well as universities, personal care homes, paving highways and massive flood protection.

              Pettersen says the government feels this was the fairest way to raise money as it is shared by everybody in the province.