March 27, 2026
Report Card Shows Province Falling Behind on Climate, Transit, and Nature Commitments
March 27, 2026-For Immediate Release
Winnipeg, MB, Treaty 1 Territory – A coalition of environmental, health and community
organizations have published a report card giving Manitoba’s Budget 2026 a near failing grade
for its lack of meaningful investment in climate action and environmental protection.
Earlier this year, a broad group of organizations called on the provincial government to make
strategic investments in three key areas: energy efficiency, low-carbon transportation, and
protecting 30% of lands and waters by 2030. Today’s budget falls short across the board.
“Manitobans are looking for revolutionary investment in the face of growing climate impacts and
loss of nature, and this budget does not meet the moment,” said Ron Thiessen, Executive Director
of CPAWS Manitoba. “This is the third budget from this government and while we are seeing
progress on some initiatives, the resources provided fall far short of what is needed. We’re out of
time for delays, the province’s commitments can’t be achieved without the funding to get the job
done.”
The coalition’s Budget 2026 Climate Report Card assigns the following grades:
Overall Climate & Environment Investment: D
While there are modest increases in several environmental budget lines, they sorely lack the
funding needed to meet Manitoba’s climate and conservation commitments.
Energy Efficiency – D
The budget does not introduce meaningful new investments in energy efficiency programs. While
the budget lists $10 million for the Affordable Home Energy Program, this is funded through
Efficiency Manitoba’s existing budget and does not expand or increase access to the program.
“Energy efficiency helps affordability — it saves Manitobans money on bills, makes their homes
more comfortable, creates jobs, increases the tax base, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and
avoids the need for costly climate killing gas plants. So why didn’t the province choose to invest
more?” said James Beddome, Executive Director of the Manitoba Eco-Network.
Transit & Transportation – C
The budget fails to deliver new, sustained investments in public transit or commitments to
improve service. Without increased operational funding, Manitobans will continue to face barriers
to affordable, low-carbon transportation options. Eliminating transit fares for youth is a positive
step, and a great affordability measure, but it is unlikely to meaningfully reduce emissions without
complementary increases in operating funding to improve and expand service.
“Public transit is one of the most effective tools we have to reduce emissions and improve
affordability, yet the government continues to underinvest in the services Manitobans rely on
every day,” said Laura Cameron, Director of Climate Action Team Manitoba. “We urgently need to
see 50-50 transit operating funding fully restored and expanded to fill this gap and revive
struggling transit systems.”
Nature Protection (30×30) – C-
Despite Manitoba’s ambitious commitment to protect 30% of lands and waters by 2030, the budget does not provide the elevated funding required to accomplish the task. There is no clear
plan to support Indigenous-led conservation, build needed government capacity, or deliver the
long-term investments required to meet this target. Overall expenditures for protection and
stewardship of nature as a percentage of the total provincial budget is comparable to last year.
“Manitoba has made a commendable pledge to almost triple the amount of protected areas
before the end of the decade, but this budget does not include the resources needed to turn that
promise into action. Conserving our natural lands and waters is vital to help combat climate
change, halt wildlife decline, and support a sustainable economy,” said Thiessen. “We do,
however, recognize and appreciate the province’s collaborative efforts toward protecting the Seal
River Watershed and a marine conservation area in Hudson Bay.”
The coalition notes that climate change is already costing Manitobans through increased
wildfires, drought, and extreme weather events. Without proactive investment, those costs will
continue to rise and be pushed onto future generations.
“The choice to double down on balancing the budget while further cutting taxes is pushing
greater climate costs and devastation onto the next generation, while missing myriad
opportunities to grow low-carbon industries and jobs,” said Cameron. “A climate plan without
investment is simply a wish list. We need to move from pledges to action backed by investment,
accountability, and long-term science-based strategies.”
The organizations are calling on the provincial government to revisit its investment strategy and
work collaboratively with communities, Indigenous Nations, and stakeholders to deliver
significant investments in 2026 that advance its climate and nature commitments.
The letter signatories include: Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives – Manitoba; Climate
Action Team Manitoba; Climate Reality Project Canada; CPAWS Manitoba; Manitoba
Eco-Network; Manitoba Energy Justice Coalition; Manitoba Public Health Association; ;
Sustainable Brandon; Wilderness Committee Manitoba.
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Media Contact
Chelsea Thomson
Communications Manager, CPAWS Manitoba
204-590-8238