The Manitoba Government has released their 2026 Budget, focusing on jobs, healthcare, and grocery prices.
In his delivery of the budget, Finance Minister Adrien Sala announced that after July 1st, there will be no provincial sales tax on groceries in Manitoba.
"We can step in as your government to directly lower your cost. It started when we froze the price of milk, and our next important step is to take the PST off of all food at the grocery store...starting July 1st, there will be no PST on any food sold in a grocery store here in Manitoba," said Sala.
Another key priority of the budget was continuing to expand Manitoba's healthcare system. The province's news release on the budget says this year's focuses include investments in cardiac care, including a $22.1 million investment to re-establish the Cadriac Centre of Excellence at St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg, and funding to perform 200 more hip and knee surgeries at the Selkirk Regional Health Centre, in addition to 3250 more MRIs.
Focusing more towards rural Manitoba, the government has also announced a freeze on crown land leases once again.
"For farmers and producers, we're saving you money yet again with a freeze on crown land leases for the 3rd year in a row," said Sala.
Sala also spoke on the prioritzation of creating a stronger economy in Manitoba. The government announced they will be investing in several initiatives to get private sector companies to build in and around Churchill for the creation of an energy corridor from Husdon's Bay to the Atlantic.
He also said the government plans to increase the Homeowners Affordability Tax Credit by $1700 in an effort to lower costs for homeowners.
The government's news release on the budget says Manitoba has the lowest deficit-to-gross domestic product ratio in Canada, and this budget makes responsible investment that aligns with Manitobans' priorities. Click here to view the government's news release.
