Honourable colleagues, blue skies and sunny ways have come to Manitoba. Last night Premier-elect Brian Pallister led the PC Party of Manitoba to a majority win, ending the NDP's 16-year reign.

Colleagues, 54 per cent of voters in Manitoba voted in favour of a strong majority Conservative government. The PC Party campaigned on a platform of a better Manitoba. Specifically, Premier Pallister and the PC Party have committed to attracting more investment, building strategic infrastructure and helping homegrown entrepreneurs get the capital they require to innovate and create jobs.

They have committed to fostering a skilled workforce by investing in education results for students and focusing scholarships and skills training on a current and emerging business need.

The PC government will promote Manitoba trade internationally and nationally, by creating a team-Manitoba trade initiative to generate new business opportunities in target markets and joining the New West Partnership to create more procurement and investment opportunities in Manitoba.

Premier Pallister announced a plan to enhance the Provincial Nominee Program to welcome more qualified and skilled immigrants from around the world, as well as encouraging increased family immigration.

And great news for Manitoba taxpayers: The new government will roll back the PST from 8 per cent to 7 per cent in their first term and create a red tape reduction task force.

Colleagues, Manitobans know the importance of a developed, comprehensive flood protection strategy. Scott Forbes, an ecologist at the University of Winnipeg, noted that of all the parties, the Progressive Conservatives put forth the most aggressive plan for flood protection, which in turn will keep Manitobans and their communities safe.

I believe the PC government will be an important change for Manitoba families, students, workers and business owners. They have committed to putting in place a strong financial foundation for growth, investing in front-line service, undertaking a comprehensive value-for-money review across departments and agencies and offering budget transparency and accountability to Manitobans.

Honourable senators, join me as I congratulate my friend Brian Pallister and the PC Party of Manitoba on their hard-fought win. And I look forward to working with the premier-elect on the important issues for Manitobans.