Manitoba Opposition says government cannot afford promises without a tax hike

WINNIPEG -- Manitoba Opposition Leader Brian Pallister says the NDP government cannot afford its recent promises without increasing taxes.

Pallister says this month's throne speech contains millions of dollars of new spending on everything from child care to expanded cellphone coverage.

The government is already in the midst of a string of deficits, and Pallister says the government will have to raise taxes to live up to its word.

Premier Greg Selinger won't rule out tax hikes.

He says he will only commit to keeping Manitoba among the top three most affordable provinces, based on taxes, some utilities and other costs.

Selinger faced the same accusation before the last election and ruled out a sales tax increase, before breaking his word two years later and raising the tax.