Manitoba has earmarked $1 million annually for its U.S. trade office, which is $200,000 more than previously revealed by the NDP government, according to documents acquired by CBC News. The allocation covers expenses like salaries, office space, and other operational costs for Washington, D.C., trade envoy Richard Madan and his administrative assistant. The NDP government had initially stated that the total budget for the Washington trade office was $800,000, but recent communications indicate estimates ranging from $800,000 to $900,000 for the upcoming fiscal year.
Former claims about Madan’s salary as Manitoba’s trade representative have proven to be inaccurate. Despite initial reports of a $387,000 salary, a contract obtained through a freedom of information request reveals that Madan receives $482,000 in annual consulting fees and is eligible for up to $51,000 per year in additional expenses. Furthermore, government emails from January 2026 disclose that the province is also spending $143,000 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 expressed concern over the fragmented financial disclosure surrounding the U.S. trade office, emphasizing the importance of transparent budget reporting. There is no specific line item in Manitoba’s budget documents detailing the office’s budget, with government officials stating that the expenses are included within a broader allocation for grant assistance in economic programs. Democracy Watch co-founder Duff Conacher urged for increased transparency, emphasizing the public’s right to know how taxpayer money is being allocated.
Despite repeated requests for information on spending related to the U.S. trade office, the government has been reluctant to provide detailed breakdowns, citing reasons such as cabinet confidentiality and potential harm to intergovernmental relations. Conacher criticized the government’s secrecy around the office’s finances, calling it undemocratic and denying the public’s right to information. Madan declined to comment on the matter, redirecting inquiries to NDP cabinet communications officers.