Manitoba has allocated $1 million annually for its U.S. trade office, which is $200,000 more than previously reported by the NDP government, as revealed in documents obtained by CBC News. This funding covers salaries, office space, and other expenses for Washington, D.C., trade envoy Richard Madan and his assistant, according to an advisory note for Premier Wab Kinew in August 2025 and government email correspondence in January 2026.
Despite prior claims by the NDP government that the total annual budget for the Washington trade office was $800,000, recent estimates now suggest the cost for the 2026-27 fiscal year could range between $800,000 to $900,000. The $1 million allocation for Madan’s office is described as a contingency to address potential unforeseen costs.
Recent revelations have shown discrepancies in the initial statements made by the Kinew government. While it was initially stated that Madan would earn a $387,000 salary as Manitoba’s trade representative in Washington, a signed contract obtained through a freedom of information request indicates he receives $482,000 in annual consulting fees, along with up to $51,000 per year for additional expenses.
Government email correspondence also indicates that $143,000 is being spent on an administrative assistant for Madan in Washington, D.C., and $221,000 on rent for their office at the Canadian embassy in the U.S.
Progressive Conservative Leader Obby Khan has expressed concerns about the fragmented nature of financial disclosures regarding the U.S. trade office, emphasizing the need for transparency in budgetary allocations.
Notably, Manitoba’s budget documents do not explicitly outline the budget for the U.S. trade office, with the spending reportedly included within a larger allocation for “grant assistance” in the economic programs budget. Critics, including Duff Conacher from Democracy Watch, have called for increased transparency and accountability regarding government spending, emphasizing the public’s right to be informed about the costs of government programs.
Despite repeated requests for information on spending, the government has declined to disclose specifics, citing reasons such as cabinet confidence and concerns over relations with the federal government. This lack of transparency has raised questions about the government’s commitment to openness and accountability.
The public is awaiting the release of the province’s annual financial report for the 2025-26 fiscal year, which is expected by the end of September. Ongoing efforts by media outlets, including CBC News, to obtain detailed information on the expenses related to the U.S. trade office have faced resistance from the government, further fueling calls for greater transparency in financial matters.
