Manitoba Opposition Tories accuse NDP government of not shopping locally

WINNIPEG - The Manitoba government is facing accusations from the Opposition of not having its elbows up when it comes to government contracts.

The province signed a three-year contract for food services in hospitals and some other facilities last fall with Aramark Canada — an Ontario-based company whose international headquarters is in the United States.

Opposition Progressive Conservative Leader Obby Khan says Manitoba companies could have been given the contract.

The Tories also say the outcome goes against the government's promise to favour Manitoba and Canadian suppliers, in response to tariffs imposed by the United States.

The NDP government says Aramark Canada is a Canadian firm with more than 200 Manitoba employees.

It also says the contract was open to all bidders and Aramark submitted the winning bid.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 22, 2026