By: Staff Writer - Winnipeg Tribune
Winnipeg, March, 22, 2024 - Finance Minister Adrien Sala of Manitoba unveiled the province's 2023-24 third quarter report, shedding light on concerning trends in the fiscal landscape. The report indicates a marked increase in the forecasted deficit compared to the previous quarter.
Addressing reporters, Minister Sala underscored the government's commitment to transparency, emphasizing the need to confront the fiscal realities. "We know the previous government hid the true picture of Manitoba’s books, and our administration is dealing with those inherited challenges," Sala stated. The Minister did not say how the current gas tax holiday is impacting provincial revenues.
Minister Sala did take time to attribute the budgetary discrepancies to decisions made by the previous Progressive Conservative government, suggesting that such overspending was not accounted for in earlier fiscal updates. As a consequence of the health-care sector's financial strain, the government has initiated a series of audits aimed at scrutinizing budgeting and spending practices.
In response to health-care overspending, Minister Sala announced the launch of a forensic audit of the Northern Regional Health Authority. Additionally, comprehensive financial audits will be conducted at Shared Health, as well as the Winnipeg, Interlake-Eastern, and Prairie Mountain regional health authorities. These audits aim to assess expenditure efficacy and ensure that financial resources are allocated to yield tangible benefits for Manitobans.
Minister Sala reiterated the government's commitment to transparency and responsible governance, pledging to address fiscal challenges head-on while prioritizing the well-being of Manitobans.