COLUMN: Report from the Legislature – NDP out of step and out of touch

It’s been a busy start to spring. Easter and spring break provided a much needed opportunity for families across La Vérendrye to reconnect, reflect, and recharge. With warmer weather finally arriving, there’s a renewed sense of optimism across our communities. For many in our region, this also marks the beginning of spring planning on the farm—one of the most important times of the year.

This season is about preparation, discipline, and making the right decisions for the months ahead. Planning for the farm is essential for success. Farmers must take into account the numerous factors that could dictate success or failure and plan accordingly.

The NDP government could learn lot from Manitoba farmers.

A recent report from major credit rating agency Moody’s points to growing concerns about Manitoba’s financial outlook. Moody’s has raised serious questions about the province’s recent budget plan, noting that it is inconsistent with long-term economic growth and relies on projections that may not reflect reality.

That should be a wake-up call for all Manitobans.

When a respected global agency questions the credibility of your financial plan, it signals deeper problems. It means the foundation on which we are building may not be stable—and that has real consequences such as higher borrowing costs, reduced investor confidence, and fewer opportunities for growth. All of this translates into a weaker economy and an even higher cost-of-living for Manitoba families.

This year’s provincial budget does little to address the real pressures families are facing. Manitobans are struggling with the cost of living, yet the government continues to focus on measures that sound good in headlines but deliver very little in reality.

Take the much-discussed promise to remove PST from groceries. The truth is, most groceries are already exempt from PST. The remaining items—snack foods and soft drinks—make up only a small portion of a typical grocery bill. For most families, this amounts to mere pennies in savings. Hardly the meaningful relief it is being passed off as by this premier.

Taking the PST off of junk food is not a serious affordability plan.

Meanwhile, with Budget 2026 there is no clear strategy to grow the economy, reduce red tape, or encourage investment in our province. We continue to see opportunities lost and confidence decline as the NDP government doubles down on poor decisions.

Recent developments at the federal level should raise even greater concerns about the direction of the broader NDP movement.

At their recent convention in Winnipeg, the NDP selected Avi Lewis as their new federal leader—a candidate who has openly advocated for significantly expanded government control and ownership in the economy. Premier Wab Kinew was present and supported and celebrated this outcome.

Even as other NDP leaders across Canada have raised concerns about the radical wing and direction Lewis represents, here in Manitoba, we have seen no such hesitation.

That should give Manitobans pause.

The provincial and federal NDP are the same party—one membership and closely connected through shared ideology, shared networks, and shared direction. When we see the federal party moving further toward policies rooted in heavy government control, it raises real questions about where that leaves Manitoba—and what Wab Kinew actually believes.

We simply cannot afford to go down that path.

As PCs we believe there is a better path forward.

One example is our proposal to raise the basic personal income tax exemption to $30,000. That is real, measurable relief—allowing Manitobans to keep more of what they earn and put it back into their local communities.

It’s a policy grounded in a simple principle: when people have more money in their pockets, our economy grows.

Out here in southeastern Manitoba, we understand the importance of planning, accountability, and results. Whether it’s preparing for seeding season or running a small business, there is no room for wishful thinking. Decisions have consequences. Outcomes matter.

And that’s why we have to ask a serious question:

Can Manitobans afford any more time with an NDP government that is increasingly out of step with economic reality, and out of touch with how that reality is affecting families?

Just like on the farm, if you ignore the warning signs and fail to properly plan, the consequences don’t just go away—they compound.

Manitobans deserve better.

As always don’t hesitate to reach out and contact me at info@konradnarth.ca.