'Economic circumstances have changed': Manitoba unions call on NDP to reverse provincial tax cuts to fulfill election promises

Manitoba’s largest unions are concerned the NDP government will be unable to fulfill its promises as a result of the most recent financial data, according to an open letter published Wednesday

Manitoba’s largest unions are concerned the NDP government will be unable to fulfill its promises as a result of the most recent financial data, according to an open letter published Wednesday.

The letter say the current tax cuts promised by the government will make it harder for it to achieve its goals for health-care, class sizes and homelessness.

 An internal-only document calls for support from additional signatories going forward including other unions and labour organizations. The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives Manitoba sent the final letter to CTV Wews Winnipeg Wednesday afternoon. It is signed by MFL, CUPE and MGEU, Manitoba’s largest unions.

“Politicians should take their promises seriously, but the economic circumstances have changed since the tax cuts were legislated,” the letter reads.

The documents refer to a meeting between the parties as well.

During the election, Premier Wab Kinew pledged to balance the budget during the NDP’s first term and not raise Manitoba’s PST, and has also promised to keep the tax cuts introduced in the previous budget created by the Progressive Conservative Party.

The letter comes after the government revealed last week that the province’s deficit is $1.6 billion, up from $363 million projected in the 2023 budget.