Manitoba premier vows to ‘build, build, build’ as trade wars loom large over next budget

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew is gearing up to introduce his government’s second budget, which will prioritize infrastructure development to bolster the province’s economy amidst ongoing tariff disputes. With tariff wars looming on two fronts, Kinew emphasized the importance of creating jobs by investing in projects such as highways, roads, hospitals, schools, and personal care homes.

“We need to focus on building, building, building to support jobs and stabilize our economy in the face of these economic uncertainties,” Kinew stated ahead of the budget announcement for the 2025-26 fiscal year. The budget will address the impact of U.S. tariffs on Manitoba and prepare for potential additional levies by outlining financial scenarios with and without tariff removal.

Trade conflicts with the U.S. and China have escalated, leading to retaliatory tariffs that are expected to narrow Manitoba’s path to balancing the budget by 2027. Despite overspending on healthcare, the province aims to limit spending increases in the coming years while fulfilling promises to hire more healthcare workers and police officers, as well as addressing housing shortages.

In addition to infrastructure projects, Manitoba Hydro’s generating capacity requires investment to prevent a potential power shortage in the near future. The government plans to boost Manitoba Hydro’s infrastructure while expanding facilities like schools and personal care homes. Kinew’s administration also aims to fulfill his campaign promise of reopening three Winnipeg emergency departments, with plans for a new emergency room at Victoria Hospital underway.

To support small- and medium-sized businesses, a new security rebate program will be introduced, offering up to $2,500 for purchasing security equipment to safeguard workplaces from vandalism and break-ins. The budget will also reinstate the provincial gas tax at 12.5 cents per liter, generating revenue that was previously lost due to a tax break.

Overall, Manitoba’s 2025-26 budget will focus on stimulating economic growth through infrastructure investments, supporting businesses, and addressing ongoing trade disputes to ensure the province’s financial stability in the years to come.