Minnedosa Tribune - Oct. 3, 2025

Minnedosa Tribune

CANOLA CRUSHER

DARRELL NESBITT/MINNEDOSA TRIBUNE

Taking advantage of the upper 20°C temperatures over the past week and a half of September, the main focus of grain producers throughout the area was to put the hammer down and get the 2025 harvest into the bin. On the afternoon of Friday, Sept. 26, two Claas combine operators worked diligently just south of Minnedosa, combining a field of canola.

Province projects higher deficit due to wildfires

The forecast shows a net loss of $890 million for the year, primarily attributed to the costs

The Manitoba government has released its public accounts for the 2024-25 fiscal year and the first quarter report for 2025-26. The reports provide an update on the province’s financial health under the current NDP administration. The public accounts for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025, show a deficit of $1.15 billion. This is a 42% reduction from the previous fiscal year’s deficit and a $90 million improvement from the third-quarter update. According to the government, this was achieved through financial management and a moderately growing economy, which saw an increase in service sectors driven by population growth.

However, the first quarter report for the 2025-26 fiscal year, projects a new financial challenge. The forecast shows a net loss of $890 million for the year, which is $96 million more than the amount initially budgeted.

This increase is primarily attributed to the costs of fighting wildfires; however, other expenditures did contribute. The financial report indicates that emergency response expenditures related to the fire season are the main factor driving the projected deficit higher than planned.

The province’s next general

election is scheduled for October 2027, as per Manitoba’s fixed election date law. While the NDP’s government notes progress on past deficits, the financial impact of the recent wildfires presents a new and significant fiscal pressure. Total revenue for the 2025-26 fiscal year is projected at $25.1 billion, with total expenses at $26 billion.