COLUMN: Report from the Legislature – Accountability begins at home

Every registered political party in Manitoba is required by law to submit an annual audited financial return to Elections Manitoba. These reports disclose a party’s financial activities and help ensure compliance with Manitoba’s election financing laws. They are an essential part of a transparent democracy, giving Manitobans confidence that political parties are managing their finances responsibly and following the rules.

These reports also matter to the thousands of Manitobans who financially support political parties. Donors have a right to know that the party they support is meeting its legal obligations and responsibly managing the funds entrusted to it. Transparency is fundamental to maintaining public confidence in our democratic process.

The deadline to file the 2025 annual audited financial return was March 31, 2026. Only the Progressive Conservative Party of Manitoba is still outstanding and if they fail to file by July 21, it will be 112 days late. Only one other party filed late, and they only required nine additional days.

What makes this even more noteworthy is that the Progressive Conservative Party has historically filed its financial returns on time. This prolonged delay is unusual and raises legitimate questions that deserve answers.

Financial reporting is one of the most basic responsibilities of any political party. These requirements exist to promote transparency and maintain public confidence in our democratic institutions.

If you cannot meet your own financial reporting obligations, why should Manitobans trust you to manage theirs?

Manitobans expect anyone seeking public office to meet the same standards of accountability they expect from everyone else. It is fair to ask how Manitobans can have confidence in a party’s ability to responsibly manage public finances when it cannot meet a straightforward legal reporting obligation.

If there are legitimate reasons for the delay, Manitobans deserve a clear explanation. Transparency builds trust. Silence invites questions.

Leadership is about setting the standard. The leaders of every political party are responsible for ensuring their organization meets its legal and financial obligations. Accountability cannot simply be a campaign slogan; it must be demonstrated through actions.

The Progressive Conservative Party has built its reputation on fiscal responsibility. With that reputation comes a higher expectation. Before asking Manitobans to trust you with the province’s finances, you should demonstrate that you can meet your own legal obligations in a timely and transparent manner.

As an independent MLA, my responsibility is not to a political party or its interests, but to the people I represent. My focus is on advocating for my constituents, holding the government and every political party accountable, and supporting policies that are in the best interests of our community not what is best for a party organization. Independence allows me to speak freely, ask difficult questions, and put constituents first every time.

Accountability begins at home. Manitobans deserve leaders and political parties who lead by example.

For more updates and information, visit my website at boblagasse.com. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact my constituency office at ca.lagasse@outlook.com or 204-807-4663.