If re-elected, Manitoba's NDP party promises to spend one billion dollars annually to improve highways, bridges, and flood protection.

Ron Kostyshyn, Agriculture Minister under the NDP government, highlights this area as a concern for rural Manitoba, especially since our province is one that he says has faced significant flood events in past.

Kostyshyn adds rail transportation is also a key part of the infrastructure conversation.

"To the grain producers out there, rail is still the most cost-efficient means of moving merchandise, and we want to continue to maintain rail service in appropriate locations," he says.

Under the umbrella of infrastructure, the NDP party is also recognizing digital issues for rural Manitoba. Kostyshyn says his party promises a five million dollar investment to enhance cell phone and broadband Internet service in the province.

He says it's a fact of life that all areas of the province need decent service.

"That is our vision," he says. "We need to work with communicators and partners of other agencies, whether it be Manitoba Hydro or someone else, that have the willingness and opportunities that we need to enhance cell phone service. We are committed to invest dollars, such as the announcement that was made last week, of broadening our cell phone and broadband service.

Kostyshyn says another priority for his party is to continue growing value-added opportunities within the province.