Manitoba’s wins and misses in the federal budget

CTV’s Jeff Keele breaks down how the latest federal budget could impact Manitobans.

Prime Minister Mark Carney has introduced his first federal budget, which includes a few specific nods to Manitoba, including two community centres in Winnipeg.

The most substantial Manitoba mention is the Port of Churchill Plus project, which the federal government said falls under its long-term economic strategy to diversify trade.

“The approach will prioritize Indigenous equity ownership in developing the projects needed to turn the Port of Churchill into a major four season and dual-use gateway for the region,” the federal document reads. “Expanded export capacity in the North through Hudson Bay will contribute to increased and diversified trade with Europe and other partners, while more strongly linking Churchill to the rest of Canada.”

No dollar amount is allocated to the project; however, the budget notes it is one of several projects to be referred to the ‘Major Projects Office,’ which is set to receive $213.8 million over five years.

Premier Wab Kinew said it’s a good sign for the province.

“(It) gives us another sign of momentum that we’re going to build this big nation-building project here in Manitoba,” Kinew told reporters Tuesday afternoon.

However, he said there were some things he felt were missing in the budget.

“I think there was an opportunity missed today to signal that the bilateral funding agreements for your healthcare are going to continue,” he said. “We got one of those expiring next year, $150 million that goes to pay for staff in hospitals and personal care homes. We need to get these deals extended.”

With billions of dollars going towards infrastructure projects, Kinew said he will be pushing for the federal government to support the province’s agriculture sector.

“We know it’s been a tough time with the canola tariffs, the pork tariffs, all the uncertainty with the Trump administration,” he said. “We’ve got a couple of great investments here in Manitoba with the (Global Agriculture Technology Exchange) project in Winnipeg, with the Prairie Innovation Centre in Brandon—these are ways that the federal government can use some of these infrastructure dollars to send a signal that they have our ag industry’s back.”

Winnipeg community centres get spotlight in federal budget

The budget includes $115 billion over five years, with a Build Communities Strong Fund to support a range of local projects. Two Winnipeg projects are singled out as examples...the Riverview Community Centre and Dakota Community Centre.

Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham said he was happy to see the infrastructure fund and hopes money will be available for widening Kenaston Boulevard, extending Chief Peguis Trail and the third phase of funding for the North End Water Pollution Control Centre.

“I see this as an opportunity to get the federal funding for the third phase, which will be really critical to keeping water and sewer rates affordable for Winnipeggers and that’s vital,” Gillingham said.

Gillingham also pointed to the Liberal government’s pledge of nearly $82 billion over five years for defence, noting the city’s aerospace industry and CFB Winnipeg make the city ripe for investment.

Why Northern First Nations are “deeply concerned” with the budget

Not all were supportive of the budget. Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO), which represents northern First Nations in the province, said it was “deeply concerned” with the budget.

“While the budget includes investments in water infrastructure and housing, critical needs in the North, it omits funding for important programs Chiefs need to safeguard their Nations,” a release reads.

The organization noted there is no mention of support for First Nations-led policing strategy, no new commitments around the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and no new supports for MMIWG2S+ programs.

MKO Grand Chief Garrison Settee also raised concerns with a two per cent savings target on Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, and Indigenous Services Canada.

“How can the federal government claim to uphold reconciliation while cutting funding to the very departments responsible for delivering essential services to our Nations,” Settee said in the release.