Those seeking an economic and industrial policy agenda that will reduce inequality, empower workers, and support a just transition in Manitoba can look to capital spending, legislative reform, and opportunities in the Crown corporation sector as areas where progress is possible, even if the narrow fiscal policy battle may have been temporarily lost.

Manitoba’s Progressive Conservatives won the provincial election on September 10, albeit with a slightly smaller majority than they had going into the campaign. We can expect the government to continue on its path of “fiscal responsibility.” Of specific concern to the Pallister government has been bringing down the government deficit, which was approaching $1 billion when it first assumed office in 2016.