WINNIPEG – A credit-rating agency is predicting a higher deficit in Manitoba next year, driven in large part by trade uncertainty and tariffs imposed by the United States and China.

While the government has predicted a $327-million deficit for the 2026-27 fiscal year, Moody’s is projecting a deficit of $900 million.

The agency has maintained the province’s credit rating and says the outlook is stable, partly due to Manitoba’s diversified economy and international export markets.

But it says the province is facing trade disruption, structural deficits and growing spending in areas such as health care.

The government has promised to balance the budget before the next provincial election, slated for October 2027, and Finance Minister Adrien Sala says he remains committed to that.

Sala sa

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