Presented by Finance Minister Adrien Sala on March 24 in the legislature, Budget 2026 highlights a focus on growing the economy and strategic infrastructure investment.
However, despite repeated calls by the MHCA and industry to increase the annual Highways Capital Budget, the province set this year’s budget at $525 million – a disappointing $10 million increase over 2025.
Notably, the highways budget includes a commitment to work with industry partners to develop a capital plan to take stock of the state of our roads and the future investments needed to maintain and sustain them. This was one of MHCA’s key items in our pre-budget submission, which the association presented to Premier Wab Kinew in February.
The budget was not without red flags: the province repeatedly mentioned the Manitoba Jobs Agreement (MJA) through the Budget document and Minister Sala’s speech.
Transportation and connectivity
The province announced critical infrastructure projects, like the interchange at PTH 100 (Perimeter Highway) and PTH 3 (McGillivray Boulevard), which aims to improve safety, the movement of goods and long-term growth.
Other projects include:
- Twinning Highway 1E from West Hawk Lake to Ontario border
- Overpass at Carberry at the intersection of Highway 1 and PTH 5
- PTH 8 between PTH 67 and Gimli, involving the construction of four new passing lanes
- PTH 2-West junction PTH 21 (East of Deleau) bituminous reconstruction for 21.4kms
- PTH 5 Bridge at Spruce Woods construction
- Airport at Wasagamack and connecting roads
The budget indicates projects like the Carberry Overpass, Highway 1 twinning, and Highway 2 repaving will be subject to an MJA, among others.
New economic development agency
Manitoba announced it will create a new economic development agency (EDA) this year.
The province indicates the new EDA will support economic development in every region of the province and aim to make things simpler for anyone seeking to do business in Manitoba, providing single-window access to supports, programs, and services.
The EDA will focus on assisting established businesses and attracting the most productive firms to the province with a focus on the unique resources, labour market and industry clusters in each region of the province. This will include export development and trade promotion.
This year, Manitoba will take the first steps to create this new agency that has been asked for by businesses and industry leaders – including the MHCA – for years.
Other infrastructure highlights:
- $10 million Churchill Plus Catalyst Fund
- $262.5 million in federal and provincial funding over five years to Arctic Gateway Group to develop the Churchill port and Hudson Bay rail line
- $450,000 in operating funds to Centreport Canada to attract new investment
- $3.8 million to address critical infrastructure needs in Northern communities, including water, wastewater and solid waste capital projects
- $24 million from The Manitoba Water Services Board to support municipalities in rural and northern Manitoba to pursue water and wastewater projects to support local needs and growth
Mining & quarry highlights:
- $1.4 million for the Manitoba Mineral Development Fund
- $2 million to support First Nations-owned Minago mine
- $1 million investment in a feasibility study to assess northern infrastructure requirements – like roads, hydro, rail, shipping, telecommunications and utilities – to support critical mineral sector development in the province
- Accelerated remediation of orphaned and abandoned mines, contaminated sites and depleted quarries and pits to protect public health, strengthen environmental stewardship, enhance community safety and reduce the overall liabilities in Manitoba
