Manitoba government freezes the price of milk for 2026

The Manitoba government announced a freeze on the retail price of milk for 2026, saying the move aims to keep milk affordable for families while ensuring producers receive fair compensation.

The Manitoba government announced it will freeze the retail price of milk for 2026. Premier Wab Kinew and Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn said the decision is meant to keep milk affordable for families while ensuring producers are compensated fairly. The Farm Products Marketing Council holds the legal authority to set regulated milk prices in Manitoba and is guided by a mandate to balance producer sustainability with consumer protection. The government noted past changes to regulated prices, including a larger increase in 2022 and a small reduction after a recent review. Key details: - The retail price freeze applies for 2026 and was announced by Premier Wab Kinew and Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn. - The Farm Products Marketing Council sets regulated prices for producers, wholesalers and retailers under its legislated authority. - In 2022 the regulated price rose by a total of 25 cents through two government orders; the council reduced the regulated price by one cent after reviewing updated cost data last year. - Clara Birnie, community dietitian and grants manager at the Child Nutrition Council, said that regulating staple food prices can help address barriers to accessing nutritious food. - The provincial government said it is studying ways to further reduce grocery costs for families. Summary: The freeze is intended to keep a staple product affordable while maintaining regulated oversight of dairy pricing in Manitoba. The Farm Products Marketing Council will continue to set and review regulated prices, and the government is studying additional measures to reduce grocery costs.