Manitoba has earmarked $1 million annually for its U.S. trade office, which is $200,000 more than what was previously acknowledged by the NDP government, according to documents obtained by CBC News. The allocation covers salaries, office space, and other expenses for Washington, D.C., trade envoy Richard Madan and his assistant. The NDP government initially reported the total budget for the office as $800,000, but recent estimates suggest it could reach $800,000 to $900,000 for the upcoming fiscal year.
Madan, a former CTV and CBC reporter, was appointed as Manitoba’s trade envoy in June 2025. Contrary to earlier statements, a signed contract revealed that Madan receives an annual consulting fee of $482,000, with additional allowances for expenses. The province is also spending $143,000 on an administrative assistant and $221,000 on rent at the Canadian embassy in the U.S. for the trade envoy and his assistant.
Progressive Conservative Leader Obby Khan expressed concerns about the fragmented financial disclosure surrounding the U.S. trade office, emphasizing the need for transparent budgeting. The office’s expenses are included within a larger grant assistance allocation in Manitoba’s economic programs budget. Despite repeated requests for detailed spending breakdowns, the government has been reluctant to disclose specific figures, citing confidentiality concerns.
Democracy Watch co-founder Duff Conacher criticized the lack of transparency, stating that the public has the right to know the costs associated with government programs. The NDP government has not disclosed its total expenditure on the U.S. trade office, citing pending financial statements for the previous fiscal year. Requests for spending information have been repeatedly denied, raising questions about the government’s commitment to accountability and public scrutiny.
Madan declined to comment on the matter, deferring inquiries to NDP cabinet communications officers. The ongoing lack of transparency and reluctance to disclose financial details have sparked criticisms from opposition leaders and advocacy groups, highlighting the importance of open and accountable governance practices.
