Wab Kinew promises ‘big ticket items’ in next Manitoba budget

Premier Wab Kinew discusses healthcare pressures, budget day plans and an update on the Port of Churchill.

Manitoba’s premier announced on Tuesday that the 2026 provincial budget will be unveiled next month.

In an interview Thursday on Your Morning Winnipeg, Premier Wab Kinew revealed that budget day is set for March 24.

“This is going to be our chance to lay our new investments in health care, which we know is a major priority for Manitobans, but also to help with the cost of living,” he said.

Kinew said he knows people are dealing with the climbing costs of groceries, rent and energy, adding that the budget will include “big ticket” affordability items.

“We’ve been talking a lot about grocery prices,” he said.

“We’ve taken some steps on competition, on freezing the price of milk but on March 24, you’ll hear us announce some new steps to help you out when you go to the grocery store and to help you out with your mortgage bill and your rent bill and things like that.”

Ahead of budget day, the province is seeking feedback from the public.

Manitobans are invited to participate in an online survey or email their ideas to [e-mail].

“We’re just trying to make sure that Manitobans have their say,” Kinew said.

“Budget time is an important time. We’ll set the priorities for the coming year of how we’re going to work together to support you.”

• With files from CTV’s Rachel Lagacé