Manitoba has earmarked $1 million annually for its U.S. trade office, which is $200,000 more than what was initially revealed by the NDP government. Documents obtained by CBC News show that this budget covers salaries, office space, and other expenses for Washington, D.C., trade envoy Richard Madan and his administrative assistant. The NDP government had previously stated that the total annual budget for the Washington trade office was $800,000.
Recent communications from Amy Tuckett-McGimpsey, Kinew’s communications director, now suggest that the estimated cost for the U.S. trade office for the 2026-27 fiscal year ranges from $800,000 to $900,000. This higher allocation of $1 million for Madan’s office is labeled as a contingency to handle any unforeseen costs.
The lack of transparency in financial disclosures related to the U.S. trade office has raised concerns, particularly regarding discrepancies in salary figures and undisclosed expenditures. An email correspondence from January 2026 revealed that the province is also funding an administrative assistant for Madan with $143,000 and $221,000 for rent at the Canadian embassy in the U.S.
Progressive Conservative Leader Obby Khan expressed worries about the fragmented financial disclosure process, stating that the public deserves clearer information about the U.S. trade office budget. The absence of a specific budget line item for the U.S. trade office in Manitoba’s budget documents has drawn criticism from various quarters.
Democracy Watch’s co-founder, Duff Conacher, emphasized the importance of government transparency and public accountability in budget reporting. He highlighted the need for detailed financial information to assess the value and efficiency of government programs, stressing that such details are crucial for informed decision-making by citizens.
Despite ongoing requests for spending details on the U.S. trade office, the government has been reluctant to provide comprehensive information, citing reasons such as cabinet confidence and potential harm to intergovernmental relations. This lack of transparency has fueled concerns about the government’s commitment to openness and accountability in financial matters.
As the public awaits the release of the 2025-26 fiscal year financial statements, questions remain about the full extent of expenditures on the U.S. trade office. The government’s refusal to disclose specific spending details has sparked criticism and calls for greater transparency in budget reporting.
