Manitoba Minute: Issue 67

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

📅 This Week In Manitoba: 📅

• A new poll reveals that separatist sentiment is growing in Manitoba, especially among Conservative voters, with over half of both provincial and federal Tory supporters saying they would likely vote for independence in a referendum. While overall support for separation in the province is around 25%, it is strongest in rural areas and nearly nonexistent among NDP and Liberal voters. Only 29% of federal Conservatives in Manitoba say they feel prouder to be Canadian than last year, compared to much higher rates among Liberals and NDP supporters. Long-standing feelings of western alienation and unequal political representation are key drivers of the discontent. Similar trends are being observed in Alberta and Saskatchewan.
  
  
• Manitoba has increased its wholesale cannabis markup from 9% to 11%, a move that may slightly raise retail prices but adds pressure on legal cannabis retailers already struggling to compete with the illicit market. Some retailers argue that rising taxes and surcharges are eroding profit margins and making it harder to offer competitive prices. The Province is also considering removing the rule that requires cannabis store windows to be covered, which some owners say impacts safety and detracts from a welcoming store atmosphere. Some are absorbing the markup on cheaper items, but note the cost adds up on bulk orders. Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries expects to collect an additional $3 million in revenue from the increase this fiscal year. The government says this aligns Manitoba with other provinces and helps fund public safety campaigns like “Don’t Drive High.” Retailers argue the excise tax model is outdated and hurts both producers and stores, calling for a percentage-based approach. 
  
  
• At a recent public hearing, several Manitoba media outlets urged the provincial government to reallocate part of its existing advertising budget to support local journalism rather than spending it on international tech platforms. Sophie Gaulin of La Liberté proposed that 25% of government ad dollars be directed to local media, aligning with Ontario’s model, and suggested a tax credit for journalist salaries similar to Quebec’s. Emmie Joaquin of Pilipino Express emphasized that even a small share of government ad spending would greatly benefit smaller, community-based outlets. Other speakers, including representatives from Envol 91 FM and U Multicultural, echoed the call for increased advertising and proposed additional supports like refundable tax credits and a dedicated media fund. Progressive Conservative MLA Greg Nesbitt agreed the ask was reasonable and criticized the lack of local advertising for a recently cancelled public hearing. The committee, chaired by NDP MLA Robert Loiselle, plans more hearings in Brandon, Winkler, and online. While no commitments were made, the committee will release a report in the fall outlining possible policy directions.
  
  
• A Manitoba judge has permanently banned the offshore gambling site Bodog from operating or advertising in the province. The court ordered Bodog’s parent companies to use geo-blocking technology to prevent Manitobans from accessing their gambling services. Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries (MBLL), which holds exclusive authority over gambling in the province, sought the injunction to stop Bodog’s illegal operations. The court found Bodog to be unregulated in Canada, not subject to gambling laws, responsible gambling requirements, or tax obligations, and misleadingly marketing itself as legal and safe. MBLL’s CEO emphasized the significant harm Bodog’s unlawful activities have caused to the province, which reinvests gambling profits into public services. Due to Bodog’s offshore location, enforcing monetary penalties against the company is unlikely. 
  
  
• Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew confirmed that Accessibility Minister Nahanni Fontaine will remain in her role after apologizing for inappropriate comments about a sign-language interpreter caught on a hot mic. The remarks, made during a graduation event for Indigenous women, included swearing and complaints about the interpreter's presence on stage, which upset Deaf Manitobans. Fontaine later apologized, acknowledging that her comments were disrespectful and failed to recognize sign language as a legitimate form of communication. Despite calls from the Opposition Progressive Conservatives for her removal, Kinew said Fontaine is making efforts to repair the damage and continue her work. The Manitoba Deaf Association has agreed to continue advising Fontaine, noting her commitment to improving accessibility. Some Deaf advocates have suggested additional steps, including a healing circle and hiring in-house interpreters. Fontaine helped establish an interpreter training program and says she remains open to learning from the experience. Kinew urged the community to work with the Minister as she moves forward.
  
  
• Residents of Lynn Lake have been ordered to evacuate again due to wildfire threats that risk cutting power to the community. The mandatory evacuation began Friday after a nearby fire threatened the main transmission line, potentially causing outages lasting a month or more and disrupting essential services. Authorities advised early voluntary departures to ease pressure on emergency responders. Lynn Lake, which has about 600 residents, was previously evacuated in late May, with residents returning in June. Hot, dry weather and shifting winds are expected to worsen wildfire conditions, increasing risks to infrastructure and travel routes. Buses were arranged to assist those needing transportation out of the area. Nearby fires also threaten travel access to the northern hub of Thompson, complicating response efforts. Residents are urged to stay informed through official wildfire updates and seek assistance if needed.

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

Our friends at Canada Minute have a petition addressing the Online News Act, which, much like the recently scrapped Digital Services Tax (DST), is a flawed policy that harms Canada’s media landscape and economy. 

Instead of helping journalism, it has restricted access to news and unfairly favoured large legacy media, hurting independent and local outlets. 

It’s time for the federal government to learn from the DST and repeal this damaging law before more harm is done. 

If you agree, please sign the petition today:

🪙 This Week’s Sponsor: 🪙

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