Manitoba Finance Minister Adrien Sala says the province’s economy is outperforming expectations despite ongoing uncertainty tied to U.S. tariffs and global economic pressures.
Speaking to municipal leaders and local officials gathered in Oak Lake, Sala highlighted what he described as significant progress toward balancing the provincial budget while continuing to invest in health care, infrastructure and affordability measures. The minister pointed to lower-than-expected deficit figures, provincial rebates and the removal of PST from certain grocery items as examples of the government’s efforts to ease financial pressures on Manitobans.
The gathering drew approximately 65 attendees from municipalities across Westman and provided local leaders with an opportunity to raise concerns as the province begins planning its next budget.
Scott Phillips, councillor with the RM of Sifton and host of the event, said the timing was ideal following recent municipal elections that brought many new councillors into office, “There are so many new faces to councils this year that they don’t know what they’re getting into yet,” Phillips said. “The finance minister wanted to meet with municipal delegates, provide a financial update and hear directly what Manitobans think should be on the radar going forward.”
While Sala focused on Manitoba’s economic performance, many municipal leaders focused on practical rural concerns, particularly water management and flooding.
Phillips said municipalities remain concerned about full aquifers, swollen rivers and the increasing impact of heavy rainfall events. He warned that without additional provincial support, communities could continue facing costly flooding challenges.
“We wanted the finance minister to realize that if things continue the way they’re going, you’re going to see more flooding from spring runoff,” he said.
Other concerns raised included red tape, infrastructure funding and vacant provincial positions such as water resource and assessment officers, which Phillips said can directly affect municipalities.
‘We’re Looking for Solutions, Not Handouts’: Westman Leaders Meet with Finance Minister
Despite those concerns, Phillips left the meeting optimistic.
“Minister Sala gets it. The premier gets it,” he said. “We’re not coming to Winnipeg with our hands out. We’re coming with a handshake and solutions on how to work together.”
Phillips said collaboration will be key moving forward, encouraging municipalities to partner on major infrastructure, drainage and emergency management projects.
“If you do it alone, it won’t get done,” he said. “But if you work with your neighbours, you’ll see positive outcomes.”
