‘Public good’ behind unplanned $200-M health-care expenditure, province says

The Manitoba government has approved an unbudgeted $200 million to cover health-care costs.

Manitoba’s lieutenant-governor signed off on a special warrant last week. The warrant states the health-care spend — while not foreseen or sufficiently provided for — is “required for the public good.”

Most of the money ($150 million) will pay for physicians’ services, such as tests and office visits.

Finance Minister Adrien Sala attributed the costs to “staffing up” Manitoba’s health-care system, including hiring 3,500 net new workers since 2023. Roughly one-third of them — 1,110 — are nurses.

“(This) essentially reflects our cost as a province of paying the cost for doctors in Manitoba,” Sala said. “We continue to do that important work of ensuring Manitobans can get access to the health-care that they need.”

The order slates $20 million for pharmacare and drug programs. Capital project expenses consume the latter $30 million.

The province budgeted $9.38 billion for health, seniors and long-term care in its 2025 budget.

Its recent $200-million spend shows “poor planning,” said Gage Haubrich, prairie director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation.

“Taxpayers aren’t going around every day looking at what’s in the special warrants — they’re looking at the budget,” Haubrich said. “(This) shows a lack of accountability.”

Manitoba is already eyeing a $1.6-billion deficit this fiscal year, more than double its original forecast, Haubrich noted. The province’s spring budget estimated a $794 million deficit.

Wildfires and losses at Manitoba Hydro — both results of dry conditions — are blamed for the ballooned deficit.

“Because of how much the government is spending already, they should’ve looked for savings in other areas of their budget to try and then recompense out to then spend on this,” Haubrich said.

The province sought $1.04 billion last December for health care and Manitoba Hydro operations. Earlier in 2025, in February, it approved another $405 million, largely to cover health costs, including fees for service and drug programs.

gabrielle.piche@winnipegfreepress.com