Manitoba has earmarked $1 million annually for its U.S. trade office, which is $200,000 more than what was initially revealed by the NDP government, as per documents secured by CBC News. The funds are designated to cover the yearly expenses for Washington, D.C., trade envoy Richard Madan and his assistant, including salaries, office facilities, and other related costs. The NDP government had previously stated that the total annual budget for the Washington trade office was $800,000, as communicated in various instances to the media. However, recent estimations by Amy Tuckett-McGimpsey, Kinew’s communications director, indicate that the costs for the U.S. trade office could range from $800,000 to $900,000 for the 2026-27 fiscal year.
Despite repeated requests, the NDP government has not provided detailed information on the expenditure of the U.S. trade office. This lack of transparency has raised concerns, with Progressive Conservative Leader Obby Khan criticizing the fragmented disclosure of financial details. There is no specific budget line item in Manitoba’s fiscal documents explicitly outlining the budget for the U.S. trade office. The spending on this office is included within a broader allocation for “grant assistance” under the “economic programs” budget for investment and trade in Manitoba.
Duff Conacher, co-founder of Democracy Watch, emphasized the importance of transparency in government spending, stating that the public has a right to know the costs associated with various government programs. The NDP government has also not disclosed the actual expenditures incurred on the U.S. trade office, citing ongoing financial statements that are yet to be made public. Requests for detailed breakdowns of the office budget have been denied by the government, citing reasons such as cabinet confidentiality and potential harm to relations with the federal government.
Furthermore, concerns have been raised regarding the secrecy surrounding the spending on the U.S. trade office, with critics highlighting the need for greater accountability and public disclosure. Madan, the trade envoy, declined to comment on the matter, referring inquiries to the NDP cabinet communications officials.
