Mr. Speaker, it is with a great deal of pride that I rise today to congratulate Premier Gary Filmon on the upcoming 10th anniversary of his election as premier of the dynamic province of Manitoba.
Both the province and the premier have much to be congratulated for. Despite the devastating flood last year the Manitoba economy is on track to post one of the strongest growth rates in this country this year and next. As well, the province posted the lowest unemployment rate in 15 years at 5.7%. Much of the credit is due to the Filmon government's tradition of delivering on its promises of sound fiscal management. Today the province has the toughest anti-deficit legislation in Canada and has balanced its books in the last four years.
While Canadians across this country remain impressed with the Filmon administration's numerous fiscal achievements, they also recognize the premier's commitment to Canada's social programs, one of the most important being health care. In spite of federal transfer cuts in the last budget Manitoba's last budget detailed an additional $100 million in spending on health care.
The premier does embody the true principles of Canadian tradition, socially progressive and fiscally conservative.