Tories, NDP trade accusations: PCs warn of tax hikes while New Democrats say cuts will come

Progressive Conservatives are warning voters about a possible PST hike if the NDP is elected in Manitoba next month, while the New Democrats caution health-care cuts and new premiums could come if the Tories remain in government.

As some Manitobans started voting in advance polls Thursday, the frontrunners traded barbs and denied each other's claims.

Progressive Conservative Leader Brian Pallister said Thursday that the NDP have a $2.1-billion hole in their election platform, which he said would require a PST hike of 1.6 precentage points.

The Tory math assumes the new spending would be funded entirely by a tax hike and not through increased revenues from economic growth, federal transfer payments or other measures. NDP spokesperson Emily Coutts said it also has several inaccuracies and counts over $500 million in commitments as separate budget lines.

NDP Leader Wab Kinew said at the provincial leaders' debate Wednesday night he would not raise the PST, but Pallister pointed out former premier Greg Selinger broke his promise not to raise the tax in 2013.

"Manitobans know they can take our commitments to the bank," Pallister said Thursday. "We've kept our word, but the NDP has a record of breaking theirs and last night, Manitobans had a powerful sense of déjà Kinew."

Tories would make $300M in cuts: NDP

Pallister promised the PCs would have the province's books balanced two years earlier than his previous pledge to get rid of the deficit by 2024.

The NDP say the Tories will have to make $300 million in cuts to get rid of the province's deficit and keep that promise.

"How much worse is he going to make health care? What's he going to cut from education?" Kinew said. "I just don't think anybody can believe Mr. Pallister when it comes to health care this time."

'That dog don't hunt': Pallister

Pallister, who previously said Manitobans would have to face cuts or pay health-care premiums, reiterated Thursday he wouldn't introduce a health-care tax, despite the NDP's assertion.

"That dog don't hunt. They've tried to float that one repeatedly, and of course, it doesn't hunt. We rejected the health-care premium after we consulted with Manitobans immediately, and the NDP keeps trying to float that one. When the horse you're riding dies, it's time to dismount."

The Tories have not released their own full platform, but Pallister says that will come on Tuesday — one week before the Sept. 10 election.

Liberal Leader Dougald Lamont scolded the NDP and PCs for what he described as efforts to manipulate Manitobans by making things up about each other.

"This shows the total lack of respect both parties have for voters and the democratic process, and it is why neither party should return to government anytime soon."

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