Manitoba Minute: Issue 98

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

📅 This Week In Manitoba: 📅

• Manitoba PC leader Obby Khan is calling on Premier Wab Kinew to collaborate on addressing systemic problems in the province’s health-care system following multiple deaths in emergency rooms. Khan cited cases including Stacey Ross, who died after lengthy ER waits and misdiagnosis, and Judy Burns, who died after being initially misdiagnosed despite family concerns. He is urging a full public inquiry rather than relying solely on internal critical incident reviews, arguing that only an independent investigation can restore Manitobans’ trust. Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara criticized Khan’s call as political, emphasizing that existing critical incident investigations are public, thorough, and intended to improve the system without partisan interference. Officials are currently reviewing both cases to determine whether they meet criteria for critical incident investigations, with Ross’s case already under review. Khan insists political differences should be set aside to fully address failures and prevent further tragedies.
  
  
• Manitoba and the federal government are conducting a feasibility study for a new national marine conservation area along the Hudson Bay coastline. Manitoba has allocated $250,000 for the study, which involves Indigenous communities, while the federal government will cover most costs. Managed by Parks Canada, these areas are intended to represent diverse marine ecosystems. The proposal would protect 25% of the world’s beluga whale habitat. While federal plans aim for ten new conservation areas by 2030, only six candidates are currently identified. Most marine conservation areas include zones for commercial shipping and fishing alongside restricted ecological preserves. However, seabed mining, dumping, bottom trawling, and oil and gas exploration are prohibited in all new sites according to Parks Canada. Premier Wab Kinew says that economic development at the Port of Churchill and environmental protection can coexist.
  
  
• The 2025 Manitoba Business Outlook Survey reports that 80% of business owners are concerned about trade disruptions, tariffs, and shifting global trade dynamics. According to the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, 62% of respondents state that US trade tensions have harmed their operations. These concerns are more prevalent in rural areas (90%) than in Winnipeg (75%). Input costs are a primary challenge, with 76% of businesses reporting increased expenses for materials, components, and equipment. Growth is currently constrained by the cost of doing business (57%), followed by labour availability and trade uncertainty. Furthermore, 55% of businesses expect their workforce size to remain static over the next year. To support provincial growth, 76% of leaders advocate for eliminating interprovincial trade barriers. Strategic priorities identified include expanding the Port of Churchill and investing in clean energy projects. The survey reflects data from 157 Manitoba business leaders.
  
  
• The Manitoba NDP has asked Elections Manitoba to investigate the Progressive Conservatives for planning to use proceeds from the sale of their former party headquarters as party income, which the NDP argues would be an illegal corporate donation. The 114-year-old Reid House, located at 23 Kennedy Street, is owned by Nocorp Investments Ltd., whose trustees plan to donate the sale proceeds to the PC party. NDP secretary Evan Krosney said corporate contributions to political parties are prohibited and included a legal opinion supporting this claim, noting the PCs listed only $91,000 in assets while the property is valued at $800,000. Lawyer Greg Bartel argued that accepting the proceeds could constitute a prohibited contribution, with the maximum individual donation capped at $5,000. PC spokesperson Jon Lovlin stated the party will respond to the complaint “in due course.” 
  
  
• A new US policy requiring businesses to label pork as “Made in the USA” only if pigs are bred and raised in the country is causing concern for Manitoba producers, who export roughly three million live pigs to the US annually. Lorne Voth of Proline Pork Marketing says some buyers are already hesitant to take Canadian pigs, which could reduce demand and push prices lower. While the label is voluntary and widespread adoption has not yet occurred, large retailers could amplify the impact if they prefer US-origin pork. Disease issues in US barns, such as porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome, still create some demand for Canadian pigs, though this may fluctuate seasonally. Experts warn the policy could depress prices and lead some farmers to scale back production, particularly older sows. Manitoba Agriculture is working with industry groups and federal officials to advocate with US counterparts, while the sector explores alternative export markets outside the US to mitigate potential losses. The hog industry contributes $2.3 billion to Manitoba’s GDP, highlighting the economic significance of these policy changes.

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

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