Manitoba Minute: Park Access, AI Training, and a Big Budget Deficit

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

This Week In Manitoba:

• Manitoba’s 2025 budget is projecting a deficit between approximately $800 million and $1.9 billion, depending on the impact of tariffs. It includes $1.1 billion in contingency funding to address those potential US tariffs, and if they take effect, $500 million will support businesses in finding new markets, offering loans, and assisting farmers, while additional funds will aid workers and families. The budget also allocates $3.7 billion for capital projects, including upgrades to Manitoba Hydro, transportation infrastructure, and wind power initiatives in partnership with First Nations. Tax changes include an increase in the School Property Tax Credit, expanded child care subsidies, and new taxes on digital services starting in 2026.
  
  
• The Province will offer free access to provincial parks for all visitors in 2025 as part of its latest budget announcement. Manitoba is also ending its contract with Aspira, a US company that handled park permits and licenses, which had collected over $7 million in fees since 2020. The government plans to find a Manitoba or Canadian provider for future licensing to keep money within the local economy. Officials say this move will create jobs while ensuring Manitobans can enjoy their parks without extra costs.
  
  
• Manitoba is investing $2 million to help small and medium-sized businesses adopt artificial intelligence (AI) through training programs. The initiative, launched in partnership with the Manitoba and Winnipeg Chambers of Commerce, will offer workshops, webinars, and mentorship to support AI integration. Businesses will also have access to a self-assessment tool to evaluate their readiness for AI adoption. The government aims to address barriers like limited expertise and uncertainty in using AI to enhance productivity. Officials say this investment is part of a broader strategy to drive innovation and strengthen Manitoba’s economy. More details on the training sessions will be announced in the coming weeks.

Last Week In Manitoba:

• Manitoba has removed Tesla and Chinese-made electric vehicles from its EV Rebate Program, which offers incentives of up to $4,000 for certain hybrid and electric models. The decision has sparked mixed reactions, with some Tesla owners frustrated that used vehicles are also excluded from rebates. The move coincides with broader protests against Tesla, as some Canadians call for a boycott over Elon Musk’s political ties.
  
  
• The Province has proposed changes to the human rights code to include protections for gender expression. While the code already covers gender identity, this update would explicitly protect preferred pronouns, clothing choices, and outward appearances. Justice Minister Matt Wiebe says the amendment aligns Manitoba with most other provinces and aims to promote inclusivity.
  
  
• Manitoba's Progressive Conservative leadership candidates, Obby Khan and Wally Daudrich, debated issues such as crime, taxes, and health care in their final official forum. Khan positioned himself as a unifying conservative who could rebuild the party’s support in Winnipeg, while Daudrich argued the party had strayed from its roots. Daudrich criticized the NDP’s decision to cover prescription birth control and opposed adding gender expression to the human rights code, while Khan proposed allocating a portion of the provincial sales tax to municipalities. Both candidates supported hiring more police and improving doctor recruitment. The debate marked the last major event before members cast their ballots, with the winner set to be announced on April 26th.