Manitoba Minute: Issue 82

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

📅 This Week In Manitoba: 📅

• Manitoba’s NDP government has introduced Bill 50, the Constitutional Questions Amendment Act, aiming to make it harder for future provincial governments to invoke the Charter’s notwithstanding clause. Under the proposed law, any government using the clause would have to explain its reasoning to an appeal court judge, who could comment on its use but not block it. Premier Wab Kinew says that the bill would protect vulnerable groups, including 2SLGBTQ+ communities and religious minorities, from legislation that could override their rights. The bill comes along with Manitoba’s broader involvement in a Supreme Court case challenging Quebec’s secularism law, Bill 21. Opposition leader Obby Khan criticized the legislation as a distraction from pressing issues like cost of living. 
  
  
• Manitoba’s trade representative in Washington, DC, Richard Madan, earns a salary of $387,000 a year, which has drawn criticism from Opposition Progressive Conservatives. Tory Leader Obby Khan called the pay “preposterous” given Madan’s lack of formal trade experience, noting it is nearly equal to the combined salaries of the Premier and Winnipeg’s Mayor. Premier Wab Kinew’s office defended the appointment, highlighting Madan’s decade of journalism in Washington and his ability to leverage political and professional networks. Since his June hire, Madan has met with Manitoba business and agriculture groups, established an office in the Canadian embassy, and is planning an advocacy day for US lawmakers. The government initially only disclosed total office costs of $800,000 for the fiscal year, which includes salaries, office rent, and travel. Comparisons were made to Ontario’s trade representative, who earns slightly less but has an extensive business background. Critics argue there is little visible impact from Madan’s work so far. The Premier’s office maintains that Madan’s connections and results justify the salary.
  
  
• A long-discussed active transportation project linking Winkler and Morden is nearing completion, with the 10-kilometre Stanley Community Pathway set to open in late October 2025. The $4.5-million project received $2.1 million in federal funding through the Active Transportation Fund, alongside contributions from local municipalities and community fundraising. Running parallel to Highways 3 and 14, the paved trail will provide a safe route for cyclists and pedestrians, improve access to the Boundary Trails Health Centre, and encourage active, sustainable travel. The pathway has been in discussion for decades and became feasible after federal funding covered most of the cost. Officials describe it as a model for rural cooperation and mobility, linking key commercial and health destinations between the two communities. Construction is in its final stages, and the trail is expected to open on schedule as a major addition to southern Manitoba’s active transportation network.
  
  
• Manitoba’s job market declined sharply in August before rebounding in September, according to Statistics Canada. The province lost more than 5,000 jobs in August, two-thirds of them full-time, raising unemployment to 5.7%. Manufacturing was hardest hit, down 5.8%, with steep losses in transportation equipment and wood products linked to U.S. trade tariffs. The mining sector also saw a 13.4% drop due to wildfire disruptions and supply chain issues. In September, Manitoba regained 3,900 jobs, making it one of three provinces with job growth. Average wages rose 4.1% year-over-year, and unemployment remained among the lowest nationally. Regional outcomes varied, with the southeast showing strong employment and Winnipeg facing temporary losses. Agriculture added jobs despite new Chinese tariffs on canola.
  
  
• Speaking of job growth, Manitoba has invited 328 health-care professionals to apply for permanent residency through the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) as part of efforts to strengthen the province’s health-care system. The draw targeted temporary foreign workers already employed in Manitoba, including 187 health-care aides, 21 physicians, 11 registered nurses, and other specialized staff. Labour and Immigration Minister Malaya Marcelino and Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara said the initiative supports the government’s goal of rebuilding health care and improving patient access across the province. Since October 2023, Manitoba has added nearly 3,400 new health-care workers. Rural communities, such as Killarney, are expected to benefit directly, with local physicians choosing to stay through the program. 

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