Manitoba Minister of Finance Adrien Sala wasted no time in addressing the issue of U.S. tariffs as he revealed details of the province’s newest budget on March 20.
Included in the budget are initiatives created by the NDP government to give people more reasons to vacation at home and fewer reasons to purchase a Tesla EV.
“I’m delivering this budget at a pivotal moment in our great nation’s history,” Sala said. “Donald Trump has threatened our sovereignty and our economy. This threat is unjustified… Let us be clear: our fight is not with all Americans. It is with one American… We didn’t start this fight, but we’re not backing down.”
In direct response, Sala says his government will eliminate provincial park entry fees for the entire year. This gives Manitobans one more reason vacation close to home.
As well, he adds, the government will end a multimillion-dollar contract with an outdoor recreation software company headquartered in Dallas, Texas. The company, Aspira, was contracted through the PC government in 2019 to handle virtual sales of provincial park passes as well as fishing and hunting licenses.
Sala didn’t indicate how passes and licenses would be handled going forward.
“While Manitobans and Canadians cancel those trips down south, we’re investing an additional $4.5 million in Travel Manitoba to boost our economy and showcase our beautiful province to the rest of Canada and the world,” Sala added.
When it comes to electric vehicles, Sala pointed a firm finger at another American corporation.
“When it comes to the popular EV rebate, we’re keeping that going, but we’ve made a few improvements. No more Teslas. And no more rebates for EVs manufactured in China either.”
As if to poke the bear further, abortion rights also came to the surface in Sala’s budget announcement.
“On this side of the border, we believe in a woman’s right to choose,” he said. “We will always practice safe access to abortion and reproductive healthcare.”
To back this up, Sala says that Budget 2025 will continue to invest in safe abortion services at the Women’s Health Clinic and provide no-cost birth control for all women.
“Canada’s strongest partnership is being tested like never before,” Sala concluded. “This is a difficult challenge for Manitoba and for Canada. But it is also a moment of great opportunity… No longer will Manitobans and Canadians allow forces outside our control to determine our future. No longer will we let our future rest in someone else’s hands. We have to build it ourselves. True north strong and free.”
