There were few surprises as the province of Manitoba stayed the course in the 2020-21 provincial budget.

Manitoba’s official opposition has blocked the Pallister government from introducing its new budget.

The green levy was announced last week, along with a plan to reduce provincial sales tax to six per cent.

The tax, formally called the health and post-secondary education levy, applies to employers with annual salaries of more than $1.25 million.

The Manitoba legislature reconvenes Wednesday for the first time since December.

The province's deficit projection shrunk by about $35 million in the third quarter, says Manitoba's Finance Minister. 

New figures from the federal Finance Department show Manitoba is to see a $255 million jump in equalization funding next year.

The Manitoba government says its deficit is running a little lower than expected.

The Manitoba government is planning to set limits on salaries paid to executives in the public sector.

Some other provinces have already adopted gender-neutral identity documents.