Manitoba’s 2026 budget focuses on lowering everyday costs, strengthening health care, and supporting long‑term economic growth. The province says the plan reflects priorities raised by Manitobans and aims to build “a healthier, more affordable Manitoba for families.”
Health Care Investments
Health care remains the largest area of new spending, with nearly $1 billion in additional funding. The province says this is the third consecutive year of increased health‑care investment, supporting more than 4,000 net new frontline staff added since 2023. Key initiatives include reducing emergency room wait times, expanding diagnostic capacity, and re‑establishing the Cardiac Centre of Excellence with a $22.1‑million investment. The budget also funds 200 more hip and knee surgeries in Selkirk and 3,250 additional MRIs across Manitoba.
Rural and northern communities will see major capital projects, including new or expanded health centres in Portage la Prairie, Neepawa, Brandon, Winkler/Morden, and Thompson.
Transportation & Infrastructure
Budget 2026 includes a record $3.8 billion in capital investment, supporting roads, hospitals, schools, and community infrastructure. Rural and northern municipalities will see increased funding through the Manitoba GRO program, along with new commitments for water and community infrastructure.
- Manitoba will build a full overpass at the intersection of PTH 5 and the Trans‑Canada Highway, just north of Carberry.
- Ongoing upgrades including intersection improvements at PR 207 (Deacon’s Corner).
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PTH 5
- Bituminous rehabilitation north of PTH 2
- Structure work including Epinette Creek area upgrades
PTH 34
- Structure replacement near Holland at the Assiniboine River
PTH 10
- Resurfacing as part of more than 115 km of regional renewals
PR 270
- Rehabilitation from the Trans‑Canada Highway to PTH 25
Trans‑Canada (Westman region)
- Structure replacements at South Boggy Creek
Key Categories of Work
- Highway resurfacing & rehabilitation
- Bridge and structure replacements
- Intersection upgrades
- Flood‑mitigation‑related road work
- Major corridor improvements (Trans‑Canada, Perimeter, CentrePort)
MTI’s companion document lists all highway projects scheduled for 2025/26, including resurfacing, structure replacements, safety upgrades, and major corridor improvements. Get the full details from Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure (MTI)
Affordability Measures
A major centrepiece of Budget 2026 is the removal of the provincial sales tax from select food sold in grocery stores starting July 1, including previously taxed prepared items such as rotisserie chicken, sandwiches, and samosas. The province says this measure builds on new legislation targeting predatory grocery pricing and is designed to provide immediate relief at the checkout.
Homeowners will also see support through an increase to the Homeowners Affordability Tax Credit, rising to $1,700. Additional affordability measures include increased rent relief delivered sooner and free transit for children and youth, part of the government’s broader effort to reduce everyday costs.
Economic Growth & Jobs
The province highlights strong labour‑market performance, with wages outpacing inflation and continued private‑sector growth. Budget 2026 includes a historic commitment to train 40% more apprentices and establishes a $10‑million Churchill Catalyst Fund to attract private‑sector investment and support development of an energy corridor through northern Manitoba.
