Manitoba’s Economy Falling Behind
WINNIPEG — Vale’s potential exit from Manitoba is the latest sign of growing economic uncertainty under Wab Kinew’s NDP government, with rising unemployment, a ballooning deficit, and a collapse in private investment putting thousands of jobs in jeopardy ahead of President Donald Trump’s Feb. 1 tariff deadline, Wayne Ewasko, Leader of the Official Opposition, and Midland MLA Lauren Stone, PC Critic for Finance, said today.
“Wab Kinew’s failure to deliver an economic plan is driving Manitoba into decline and working families are paying the price,” said Ewasko. “With President Trump’s tariff deadline fast approaching, Manitoba is unprepared to withstand the fallout. This government’s inaction has put thousands of jobs and livelihoods at risk.”
In 2023, Manitoba had risen to become sixth-best place in the world for mining investment. However, Natural Resources Canada now ranks Manitoba second-last among provinces for planned mining, energy, and forestry investments over the next decade, with 14 major projects cancelled or suspended in 2024.
“Every lost project means lost jobs and opportunities for workers and their families, especially in rural and northern Manitoba,” said Stone. “A strong economy goes hand in hand with lowering the cost of living, and funding strong healthcare, education, and public safety services for Manitobans. When private investment disappears, government revenues follow, which is a serious concern given that the NDP is already running a $1.3-billion deficit this year.”
NDP-Liberal environmental protectionist policies, including 30×30 and the LEAP Manifesto endorsed and signed onto by Wab Kinew, are a “closed for business” sign to investors and businesses in Manitoba and across Canada.
Last year’s decision by Japanese manufacturer Asahi Kasei to move its planned $1.6-billion EV battery factory from Manitoba to Ontario shows that investors are voting with their wallets and taking their business elsewhere.
“Manitobans can’t afford a government that sits on its hands and drives opportunity away,” said Ewasko. “The premier needs to act now and present a plan to grow our economy, protect jobs, and secure investments that support the families who depend on them.”
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