The representative for small and medium business owners in Manitoba has questions about this year's provincial budget.

Jonathan Alward is the Manitoba Director of Provincial Affairs with the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), which advocates on behalf of nearly five thousand small and medium-sized businesses in Manitoba.

Alward said the budget summary left him with more questions than answers.

"Great work to reign in spending and keep spending growth to just 2.2 per cent, but there are a lot of concerns with the carbon tax. We're pleased to see that farmers are indeed exempt, but right now this year we're looking at a net tax increase, not a tax decrease like the budget suggests."

The Manitoba Government introduced its promised carbon tax which will be added to gasoline, diesel fuel, natural gas and propane. This adds 5.3 cents on every litre of gas and 6.71 cents for every litre of diesel, starting in September of this year.

"Most importantly is (that) the carbon tax has to be revenue neutral. Although small business oppose it in general, one of the things they made very clear is it has to be one hundred per cent revenue neutral. The province committed to making sure that's the case... but we have yet to see how that's going to happen, and it wasn't the case this year."

Overall, Alward said there was positive news for small business owners in terms of tax relief.

"We've had positive discussions with the government so far, and really reiterating the need for small business to be provided tax relief because they're going to be bearing a lot of the increases coming in from the carbon tax."

The 2018 provincial operating budget presented a break in taxes to small and medium-sized businesses by raising the small business income tax threshold to $500,000 from $450,000, saving around $6,000 per year.

Alward adds he's happy a few of CFIB's top priorities were discussed, and noted the provincial government is doing more than the federal government in terms of making it easier for small businesses to operate.

"But again, unless they make sure that a carbon tax is going to be fully revenue neutral, then we're not seeing the benefits of what's been announced."