Infrastructure, social programs and other highlights from Manitoba throne speech

WINNIPEG – Highlights of Monday’s throne speech in Manitoba:

— The provincial infrastructure program, due to expire in 2019, will be extended by three years and $4.5 billion to build roads, bridges and other items.

— The province is leaving the door open to deficits beyond 2019 and tax increases in order to fund capital projects and government services.

— Infrastructure projects include more money to upgrade a sewage treatment in Winnipeg, a new school in south Brandon and a long-term plan to move rail lines outside Winnipeg.

— Victims of domestic violence will have a legal right to paid leave from work.

— Legislation will be introduced to ensure workers have the right to take time off to care for elderly or sick relatives.

— The province’s 40 per cent tax credit for fertility treatment will be expanded, and a breast milk donation centre and bank will be established.

— An additional 12,000 child care space will be created over the next seven years.

— Legislation will formally recognize customary care, which allows First Nations children seized from the family to remain in their community with another family.

— Ambulance fees will be equalized across the province and, where they are high, reduced.