COLUMN: Report from the Legislature – NDP offer no plan to address rising costs

I hope you and your loved ones had a chance to create wonderful new memories over the holidays. Whether you spent time with family and friends, explored our beautiful province, or just took a well-deserved moment for yourself, the Christmas break is always a welcome opportunity for us to rest and recharge.

As we begin 2025, however, it’s clear that this year hasn’t started out on an easy note for many across Manitoba. The rising cost of living, the state of our economy, and the strain on services have left people frustrated and looking for leadership. Unfortunately, the government has been missing in action.

As we saw with the NDP’s decision to reinstate the gas tax on January 1, drivers have faced a nearly 30-cent shock at the pump. According to the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, a Manitoba family filling up a minivan and a pickup truck every two weeks will pay $526 more in taxes this year alone. Adding to that, Autopac premiums will increase nearly six percent on April 1, and the Canada Food Price Report estimates families will spend about $800 more on groceries in 2025. This, after Manitoba led the nation in food inflation last year. Despite these staggering increases, the government has yet to offer any plan to bring down prices.

Unfortunately, the rising costs don’t end there. This year, the NDP will collect $150 million more in provincial education property taxes, even after cancelling plans for nine much-needed schools with daycare spaces. They’ve also cut direct classroom supports for teachers and online learning tools for students. Families are paying more in education taxes but are left asking, where is all this money going if not toward building new schools and supporting our children and their teachers?

The economic outlook is just as concerning. Over the course of last year, Manitoba’s unemployment rate rose from four percent to 6.2 percent, meaning thousands more Manitobans are out of work. We are also facing the prospect of new U.S. tariffs, which threaten jobs in every corner of the province. Despite this, the government continues to ignore calls to bring all parties together to ensure jobs in every region are represented and protected.

All these issues point to a government that lacks focus and direction. Fifteen months into their term, the NDP has no clear plan for affordability, job creation, or improving essential services. Instead, they’ve overspent the budget by $500 million, pushing this year’s deficit up to $1.3 billion. If this trend continues, it’s only a matter of time before more tax increases hit families already struggling to make ends meet. It all leaves Manitobans paying more, getting less.

The work I value most is serving you and your family as your representative for Springfield-Ritchot. I welcome your questions or comments by email to Ron@RonSchuler.com or by mail to Box 150, Oakbank, Manitoba R0E 1J0.