Manitoba premier, Brian Pallister, is touting government's actions that he says have saved Manitobans a total of nearly $405.9 million dollars this year.

“Our government has been working hard since 2016 to make life more affordable for Manitobans and that remains our focus as we all face unprecedented financial pressures brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Pallister. “When the pandemic hit, we acted quickly to find ways to support the most vulnerable Manitobans.”

According to the Province, Budget 2020 tax measures combined with COVID-19 initiatives tied directly to household savings, Manitoba's estimated 500,000 households will see an average savings of $812 in 2020.

The total includes Budget 2020 tax measures, indexation of the basic personal amount and the provincial income tax brackets, the reduction in the provincial sales tax (PST) rate to seven per cent from eight per cent as of July 1, 2019, and the accelerated removal of $75 million in PST on home and property insurance premiums as of July 1, 2020. It also factors in COVID-19 measures, such as the Seniors Economic Recovery Credit, Risk Recognition Program, Manitoba Public Insurance Rebates, Disability Economic Support Program and the Manitoba Bursary Programs.

"That's more money back on the kitchen tables of hard-working Manitobans. That's money we can all use right now as we continue to face the unknowns of this pandemic. That money helps Manitoba families to make important purchases, helps provide seniors with greater financial security and helps create jobs for our friends and neighbours across the province. It's been a lot of hard work and I am proud to be part of the team that has done this work," said Pallister.

Pallister said since 2016, provincial government measures have brought a cumulative total of $659.4 million in household savings, which results in an average savings of $1,319 per household.