Manitoba's 2025 provincial budget has sparked concerns among MLA Doyle Piwniuk regarding how it addresses the needs of the regions outside of Winnipeg. Piwniuk, representing Turtle Mountain, emphasized that the budget does not mention critical areas like Brandon or the Westman region. During an interview, he expressed his worries about the implications of this oversight on the rural communities.
Piwniuk, who serves as the caucus whip for the PC Party of Manitoba, remarked, “You know, this is the second budget that they came out with and at the same time we’re facing tariffs south of the border especially Turtle Mountain. We actually straddle across 2/3 of Manitoba and it’s going to be a big impact for us, but it just seems like nothing was ever mentioned in the budget for the Westman.” His concerns echo a sentiment that resonates with many constituents feeling overlooked by the government.
Furthermore, Piwniuk highlighted significant health care issues that he feels have been left unaddressed. He stated, “That was their promise, and it seems like when I talk to health care individuals who work in the industry, they really feel like it’s getting worse than getting better based on after the 18 months of this NDP government.” This reflects the anxiety surrounding health services, which continue to be a pressing issue for residents across Manitoba.
Additionally, another point of concern raised by Piwniuk was the recent announcement by the provincial government to waive park passes for Manitoba's provincial parks in 2025. While this could potentially increase access to these parks, Piwniuk questioned the financial ramifications of this decision. “A small percentage was paid to the computer system, but the majority of the money would be paid into the parks' revenue,” he explained, questioning how the cuts to budgetary spending on parks services could lead to further maintenance issues in the future.
Rural crime is another pressing issue that was overlooked in the budget. Piwniuk criticized the government for designating funds only for 12 new hires for the Winnipeg Police Services while neglecting the need for additional resources in rural areas. He stated, “That’s no different than the last NDP government. They really focused on Winnipeg, their own constituents like the ones that they represent.” Piwniuk made it clear that rural areas contribute significantly to Manitoba's economy, particularly through agriculture and resource generation. “We need each other. We do provide a lot of revenue in our province, like agriculture and mining,” he said passionately.
He further explained, “It’s all one big province. We got to have making sure that we allocate police services proportionately throughout the whole province because at the end of the day we all have to protect the whole province.” The call for equitable distribution of resources highlights the persistent divide between urban and rural Manitoba, which remains an ongoing concern.
On a different note, the Manitoba government recently announced an increase in the operating funding for the University of Manitoba, as part of the 2025 budget unveiled on March 20. The budget includes a 2 percent increase in the university’s operating grant and allows for a 3.5 percent increase in tuition for the 2025-26 academic year. This investment reinforces the role the university plays in addressing provincial priorities, particularly in the health care sector and agricultural research.
Michael Benarroch, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Manitoba, stated, “We appreciate the Manitoba government’s continued investment in the University of Manitoba. This funding supports our ability to offer high-quality education, drive research innovation, and train the professionals our province needs now and in the future.” This backing not only indicates the government’s commitment to higher education but also its recognition of the university's contribution to the local economy.
In addition to funding for the operating grant increase, the provincial budget includes significant capital investments. A notable allocation is the $10 million towards the construction of a new building at Bannatyne Campus, aimed at expanding undergraduate medical education. This is part of the larger $40 million commitment from the Manitoba government to bolster medical training in the province.
The budget also designates $3.9 million for the Prairie Crops and Soils Research Facility, underscoring the necessity for research in agricultural sustainability. Furthermore, $4.5 million is earmarked for addressing deferred maintenance projects, ensuring that existing infrastructure remains functional and sustainable for students.
The cumulative effects of these financial decisions by the Manitoba government will be closely monitored by constituents and stakeholders alike, particularly in light of ongoing fiscal challenges. As Piwniuk pointed out, "I'm a voice and I want to make sure that we, especially when it comes to Western Manitoba, that we're not ignored because it’s important.” The deliberations surrounding the budget showcase an ongoing tug-of-war between urban needs and rural aspirations, where questions of equity and resource allocation will continue to dominate the political discourse.
In conclusion, the 2025 budget brings both positive developments, such as increased funding for the University of Manitoba, and significant concerns from rural leaders like Piwniuk, who feel their constituents are being sidelined. With discussions about health care, parks funding, and policing on the table, the government faces a critical challenge: balancing the needs of all Manitobans while moving forward with sustainable fiscal policies.
