The PST hike is here to stay, for now. The Manitoba Conservatives have lost their court challenge against the Selinger government's 2013 sales tax increase.

The Tories argued the province violated the law by not holding a referendum. The judge ruled the government is under no obligation to hold a plebiscite.

Now, the provincial government is weighing whether or not to demand the PCs cover their legal expenses.

"The province incurred legal costs in excess of $150,000 in anticipation of and in response to the PC Party’s legal challenge," a provincial spokesperson told CTV. "We are reviewing the decision and will be consulting with legal counsel."

The NDP says it needed to raise the PST to pay for crucial infrastructure and flood protection measures. PC leader Brian Pallister has promised to reverse the tax hike if elected premier.