Manitoba provincial election under way

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The provincial election in Manitoba is under way, with the Progressive Conservatives under leader Heather Stefanson seeking another term on Oct. 3.

Meanwhile, Wab Kinew is seeking to lead the New Democrats back to power for the first time since 2016, when then-PC Leader Brian Pallister ended some 17 years of NDP government, winning 40 of 57 seats.

Mr. Pallister stepped down in 2021 and was succeeded by Stefanson, formerly the deputy premier and justice minister.

At dissolution, the governing PCs held 35 seats, the NDP had 18, and the Liberals held three. One seat was vacant.

As the campaign began, Kinew was endorsed by former federal Liberal cabinet minister Lloyd Axworthy. In a front-page newspaper ad taken out by the NDP, Axworthy said Kinew “can provide a caring, conscientious governance.”

After visiting Lieutenant-Governor Anita Neville on Tuesday to sign the writ for the election, Stefanson promised more tax cuts if the PCs are re-elected.

“Manitobans need real relief and a real long-term commitment to affordability in the future,” she told a news conference flanked by cheering Tory candidates.

A re-elected Tory government would cut the lowest provincial income tax bracket in half over four years, Stefanson said. The move would save the average Manitoban, earning $50,000 a year, $1,900 annually when fully implemented in 2028, she added.

The New Democrats have been leading in the polls, especially in Winnipeg, where most legislature seats are concentrated. They have promised to reopen three emergency departments that the Tories downgraded to urgent care centres, which are not aimed at dealing with life-threatening issues such as heart attacks.

Kinew started his campaign a day early Monday and promised to hire more health-care professionals and reduce wait times.

The Manitoba Liberal Party is seeking to add to the three seats it currently holds in a bid for official party status.

With files from The Canadian Press

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