MHCA began the year meeting with Manitoba’s Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, Lisa Naylor. Key to the recommendations was a request to increase MTI’s annual highways capital program from the current approximately $515 million to a range between $900 million and $1.2 billion per year. This increase would be phased in over three fiscal years commencing with the upcoming 2026-2027 budget which is expected to be tabled in March 2026. The budget increase would be supported and informed by the development of a strategic asset management and investment strategy that is publicly available.
The MHCA delegation included MHCA Board Past Chair, Dennis Cruise, MHCA Board members Marcel Machado and Richard Wilson, along with MHCA President & CEO, Chris Lorenc, and MHCA Vice-President, Felicia Wiltshire.
During the meeting, the MHCA President & CEO, also took time to stress the importance of a handful of other priorities for our industry including:
- the development of a Provincial Economic Development Agency,
- the ability to more effectively budget for unplanned carryover,
- the ability to carry forward of unspent capital funds into the next budget, and
- increasing the federal and provincial government contribution to urban trade gateways
The Board representatives also took the time to share specific details on how the lack of funding is directly impacting many businesses across Manitoba. They also spoke about the impact tariffs are having on their businesses, along with other challenges they are seeing.
“We were disappointed in the Minister’s reaction to our proposals,” said Lorenc. “We fully intend to continue to dialogue on these important issues, and will continue to explore options for more dialogue with the provincial government on the need for increased investment in our transportation assets that is informed by a strong asset management and investment strategy.”
