Thanks to the NDP, every Manitoban has gone $409 deeper into debt since Christmas, according to the dismal Third Quarter Financial Report released today.  Opposition Leader Hugh McFadyen says the province is still spiraling toward a massive core operating deficit, contrary to NDP spin.

The projected 2009/10 deficit for core government, which includes departments under the NDP’s direct control, is unchanged at $602 million. 

“What is the most disheartening about today’s financial report, is the fact that the NDP are still projecting a massive deficit, and at the same time has increased our debt by half a billion dollars,” McFadyen said.  “This means that every single Manitoban, from children to seniors, have the burden of an additional $409 in debt. That debt is accruing interest, and will have to be paid by future generations.”

The NDP government’s forecasted debt increased by half a billion dollars since the last financial report released less than three months ago.  The total debt per capita has increased from $17,434 to $17,843.

“The fact that the NDP are dead-set on wasting $640 million on a longer Bipole transmission line, an additional $350 million by forcing the City of Winnipeg to remove nitrogen from its wastewater, and a further $14 million on enhanced driver’s licenses in these challenging times, adds insult to injury,” McFadyen said.