Bill 55: The Budget Implementation and Tax Statutes Amendment Act, 2026 (2)

Businesses in Manitoba that run Employee Share Ownership Plans (ESOPs) — particularly those planning ownership succession — will see updated credit rules and eligibility definitions take effect January 1, 2027, affecting how they structure share issuances to employees. Retailers and suppliers of ventilation systems need to know those systems remain taxable as tangible personal property rather than exempt real property, which affects how they invoice and collect RST on installation jobs. Heavy electricity users subject to the intensive-use levy won't see their payments affect Manitoba Hydro's regulated rates, but residential customers will see that levy revenue flow back as a bill reduction. Any business dealing with WCB — whether filing claims, paying premiums, or sitting on its board — will operate under a board that now functions as a formal government agency with Cabinet able to revoke director appointments and disallow board regulations.