Letter to the editor — Westman families need relief, delivery and results
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Glen Simard’s recent letter paints an optimistic picture of Budget 2026, but a closer look tells a very different story for families in Westman. At a time when groceries, fuel and housing costs remain high, this budget does very little to meaningfully improve affordability.
Take the government’s decision to remove the PST from certain food and beverages. While that may sound helpful, the reality is that it amounts to roughly $8 a month in savings for a typical family. The minister of finance said so himself just days ago that Manitobans would be able to expect this pitiful amount of savings.
Inflation in Manitoba has risen by three per cent since this time last year, which is the highest rate in the entire country. The inflation is largely driven by food inflation, which is at 4.9 per cent and still climbing — the highest in the country. Manitobans are paying more for basic necessities than Canadians in any other province.
Manitoba Finance Minister Adrien Sala delivers Budget 2026 at the legislature in Winnipeg last month. (The Canadian Press)
By contrast, our Progressive Conservative plan to increase the basic personal tax exemption would save Manitoba families up to $3,000 per year. That is the kind of structural tax relief that actually changes household budgets.
When families are struggling with higher grocery bills, mortgage payments and everyday expenses, they need relief that is substantial enough to make a difference, not measures that sound good but deliver very little in practice.
At the same time, the government continues to fall behind on its own commitments. During the recent byelection and beyond, Manitobans were promised significant investments — including the Oak Lake Dam project and upgrades to Highways 2, 5 and 34. Together, these commitments total roughly $300 million. Yet there has been little clarity on timelines, funding or progress. Communities in Westman are still waiting.
No one disputes that investment in communities is important. But Manitobans also expect honesty about what is new, what is already announced and what has yet to materialize. Budget 2026 falls short on both transparency, affordability and any economic development.
Families in Westman don’t need recycled announcements. They need real relief, real delivery and real results.
COLLEEN ROBBINS
MLA, Spruce Woods