Where is the money coming from? That’s the question Manitobans should be asking every time Premier Wab Kinew’s NDP government makes another spending announcement. These announcements seem to come daily, and they paint a picture of a government spending money as if the future will sort itself out. The truth is, it won’t. Without a clear explanation of where this money is coming from and how it will be repaid, we’re left to wonder how this all ends—and the signs aren’t encouraging.
Take the recent gas tax holiday. While it may be a temporary relief at the pump for some, it also represents hundreds of millions of dollars in lost revenue. That money isn’t just disappearing; it’s creating a larger hole in the provincial budget. And let’s not forget the freeze on Manitoba Hydro rates for one year. This isn’t the gift it’s being framed as. It’s a deferral of pain, ensuring Manitobans will face steeper hikes in future years to make up for this shortfall. In the long run, we’re paying more—just later.
The programs Kinew has announced for Indigenous-led projects come with a price tag in the tens of millions. These initiatives may have merit, but where is the fiscal responsibility in ensuring they are sustainable? Kinew has often spoken about how “the economy pulls the social cart,” but it seems like the social cart is being loaded up with unchecked spending. That cart comes with interest rates, and the government’s reliance on borrowed money means we’ll all be paying for this for years to come. Credit cards, whether personal or governmental, don’t come with free money—and these interest payments won’t wait.
Kinew has been diligent in keeping his promises to spend, but he hasn’t shown the same commitment to fiscal responsibility. Take the North End treatment plant as an example. He’s vowed to ensure it gets done, but he hasn’t addressed why it hasn’t been completed yet. More importantly, he hasn’t asked why the cost has ballooned so dramatically. The price has increased at rates far beyond inflation. If nobody is willing to investigate or address the inefficiencies that lead to these skyrocketing costs, then taxpayers will continue to be on the hook for grossly inflated budgets.
Meanwhile, everyday Manitobans are struggling with real financial issues. Mortgage default rates in the province are among the highest in Canada. Vehicle repossessions are on the rise. These are indicators of economic strain that can’t be ignored, but they are being ignored. Ignoring a problem doesn’t make it disappear. The government’s focus on new spending initiatives without addressing the financial pressures facing Manitobans is short-sighted and irresponsible.
This isn’t new. Kinew’s approach mirrors that of former Mayor Brian Bowman and, more recently, Mayor Scott Gillingham. All of them have made a habit of sidestepping the root causes of financial instability. They never tackle the big issues. None of these leaders discuss reducing the size of government. None talk about finding efficiencies or eliminating waste. They certainly don’t talk about curbing government overreach. Instead, they focus on being seen—standing in front of cameras to announce spending on special projects or to cater to specific interest groups.
Manitobans deserve better. We deserve leaders who prioritize fiscal responsibility and accountability over photo opportunities. We deserve leaders who are willing to make tough decisions to ensure the long-term financial health of the province. Instead, we’ve been saddled with leaders who seem more concerned with maintaining their grip on power than addressing the growing financial pressures that will eventually come to a head.
For every new spending initiative, there should be a requirement to show exactly where the money is coming from. How will it be paid for? What sacrifices will need to be made elsewhere? These are basic questions that taxpayers deserve answers to. If the answers aren’t forthcoming, we have to wonder what’s being hidden.
It’s time to hold politicians accountable in a meaningful way. If there is a deficit in the city or province, the politicians in power should be barred from running again. If they can’t balance the books, they shouldn’t have the opportunity to try again. Accountability in government has to be more than a buzzword. It has to have real consequences.
Examples of the impact of unchecked spending are all around us. In Winnipeg, the city’s budget continues to balloon while basic services deteriorate. Projects like the North End treatment plant highlight how mismanagement and a lack of oversight can lead to runaway costs. On the other hand, there are examples of proper fiscal initiatives that demonstrate what’s possible with responsible management. Provinces like Saskatchewan have shown that it’s possible to balance budgets while still investing in critical infrastructure and services. It takes discipline and a commitment to doing what’s right, not just what’s popular.
Manitoba can learn from these examples. We need leaders who are willing to ask tough questions, demand accountability, and make the difficult decisions necessary to ensure our province’s financial health. The alternative is to continue down the path we’re on—a path that leads to higher taxes, deeper debt, and fewer opportunities for future generations.
Manitobans can’t afford more empty promises. We need leadership that prioritizes fiscal responsibility over political expediency. Without it, we’ll continue to see spending announcements that raise more questions than answers. Where is the money coming from? It’s a question that deserves an honest answer. And until we get one, we should all be concerned about the financial future of our province.
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