Manitoba Minute: Issue 66

Manitoba Minute - Your weekly one-minute summary of Manitoba politics.

📅 This Week In Manitoba: 📅

• Premier Wab Kinew announced that the provincewide state of emergency has ended as wildfire threats decrease, although firefighting teams remain on alert. About 9,000 of the 21,000 evacuees have returned home, with more expected soon, especially in Flin Flon, where 6,000 people have been displaced. Currently, 23 wildfires are burning in the province, seven of which remain uncontrolled, putting significant pressure on Manitoba’s limited hotel capacity for evacuees. Congregate shelters remain open for those who cannot stay in hotels, and officials continue urging visitors to exercise caution when travelling to the province. Some evacuees cleared to return have delayed due to health concerns or unsafe conditions caused by smoke. The government is working to move remaining evacuees from shelters into hotel rooms as recovery efforts continue.
  
  
• Manitoba has opened a permanent trade office in Washington, DC, appointing Richard Madan, a former CTV and CBC White House correspondent, to lead the effort. The office aims to strengthen Manitoba’s economic and trade relationships with US lawmakers, industry leaders, and officials, ensuring the Province’s interests are protected in agreements like the renewed Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement. Premier Wab Kinew emphasized the need for someone who understands Manitoba’s economic strategy and can navigate US politics effectively, particularly with ties to past administrations. Madan brings over 20 years of political journalism experience and connections in Washington, which he hopes to use to promote Manitoba’s offerings and facilitate beneficial meetings. The office has a budget of $800,000 for operations and is still deciding on a physical location. Madan has begun consultations with Manitoba stakeholders to align efforts and build support for the trade mission.
  
  
• Manitoba’s Auditor General Tyson Shtykalo is conducting a value-for-money audit to assess whether $1.2 billion in federal funding for child care is improving accessibility and inclusivity, including the creation of more child care spaces. The audit will review the Education Department’s efforts to meet goals such as lowering fees and establishing standardized wages. Additionally, Shtykalo is considering a separate investigation into the construction of 22 daycares linked to a company connected to the Progressive Conservative party’s 2023 campaign director. This request came from the Education Department amid concerns over procurement practices in that $100-million project. The Auditor General has yet to decide if this will be a standalone probe or included in the broader audit. The process could take up to 18 months, and findings will be reported to the Legislature. 
  
  
• Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) has requested a 2.07% rate increase for the 2026-27 fiscal year, which would raise the average vehicle owner’s annual premium by about $21. This comes after the Public Utilities Board (PUB) rejected MPI’s previous request for a 3% hike and instead ordered a 5.7% increase for 2025-26 to avoid even higher future rates. MPI attributes the need for higher rates to rising claim costs due to more complex and expensive vehicle repairs. The rate changes, if approved, would take effect starting April 1st, 2026, though some renewals may see the increase as late as March 2027. MPI is also proposing adjustments to its merit scale, adding a new top level that offers greater discounts for safe drivers, and increasing the basic insurance deductible from $750 to $1,000, while introducing a new $750 deductible option. The PUB is expected to make its decision in December.
  
  
• Manitoba’s government has introduced new incentives to encourage homeowners to switch to ground-source heat pumps, which can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to $1,000 annually. The program offers varying levels of financial support based on factors like current heating fuel type, location, and household income, covering 60 to 75% of installation costs upfront. Homeowners repay the remaining 25 to 40% gradually through their monthly heating bills, designed so total costs remain less than previous energy expenses. Although the program no longer fully covers installation costs as promised during the 2023 election, officials emphasize it remains the most generous heat pump incentive offered by the province. Certain groups, including First Nation communities, may qualify for zero upfront or repayment costs.

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

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