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The private contract to operate Manitoba’s provincially owned fire suppression aircraft is expected to cost $186.6 million over 10 years, about $16 million more than a previous estimate suggested.

A disclosure of contracts on the province’s website notes the price for services through Babcock Canada between 2018 and 2028. Babcock had previously estimated the contract was worth $170 million.

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While the Manitoba NDP argues the latest estimate indicates privatization will actually cost government more money than public delivery of the service did, a cabinet minister says the new tab simply factors in equipment and maintenance costs that weren’t previously included.

NDP leader Wab Kinew said the publicly operated water bomber service cost $14.8 million in 2017-18, while the current cost would break down to about $18.6 million per year.

“This service could have been done (cheaper) publicly and now we’re finding out that it’s getting more and more expensive, as a result of the government privatizing,” said Kinew. “The other concern continues to be that the government’s just not being transparent.”