Article by:
Frank McGwire
Source: Westman Zone News - Wednesday, October 4, 2023
(Photo source: YouTube)
Wab Kinew made history Tuesday when he accepted his victory as premier-designate as the province's first First Nations premier. The NDP will hold a majority government in the Keystone province. After his historic victory was announced Kinew spoke to young indigenous people and those from all backgrounds in his acceptance speech, “I was given a second chance in life and I would like to think I made good on that opportunity, and you can do the same.” Kinew also vowed to "Fix healthcare and make life more affordable" for Manitobans.
The left-wing NDP replaces the Progressive Conservatives, who had ruled the prairie province since 2016. After graciously accepting her defeat Heather Stefanson called Kinew to extend congratulations saying, "Wab, I hope that your win tonight inspires a future generation of Indigenous youth to get involved in our democratic process — not just here in Manitoba but right across the country." Stefanson also used her time at the podium to officially step down as leader of the Manitoba PCs. The veteran cabinet minister who has represented west-central Winnipeg's Tuxedo riding for more than 20 years did not set a timeline for her departure, but said she looks forward to working with the party to ensure the replacement process goes smoothly and that the PCs will "hold the new government's feet to the fire."
Manitoba’s Liberal party will also be looking for a new leader as Dougald Lamont announced he was stepping down after losing the St. Boniface riding and conceding to Robert Loiselle, a francophone Métis teacher who was born and raised in St. Boniface. "I know we changed hearts and minds in this election, but I also know that's not always enough," Lamont told his supporters in his concession speech, during which he also congratulated Loiselle and NDP Leader Wab Kinew.
Not only is Kinew Manitoba’s first First Nations premier, but he also has the distinction of becoming Canada’s only First Nations premier.
NEW FACES FOR BRANDON’S RIDINGS
Here in Westman, a key riding flips orange as New Democrat Glen Simard defeated Len Isliefson in Brandon East, "It's humbling and we will rise together and work through the challenges that face Brandon. I'm just so incredibly proud to take this on," Simard said. "We need to seriously take a look at the issues that are present downtown and work through meaningful change for them." One of Simard’s key platform issues was health care which he reiterated during his acceptance speech, "First thing for Brandon is the first thing for all of Manitoba: we need to address some of the health-care challenges that exist," said Simard.
Photo source: www.mbndp.ca/brandon_east
BRANDON WEST
Newcomer Wayne Balcaen who's making his first foray into politics will now have the opportunity to put his “credible plan for affordable housing” to work. The platform of Brandon’s retired police chief also contained campaign promises for crime control and public safety, improved health care, and economic growth to name just a few. Brandon West was decided by a narrow margin and after hearing the final tally Balcaen commented, “Every vote matters” before praising all candidates in Brandon East and West for resisting mudslinging. “That was my first policy… we will not attack individuals,” Balcaen said.
Photo source: Waynebalcaen.ca
The electoral district of Spruce Wood was won by Grant Jackson of the PCs who had 62% of the votes in the riding. Following the 2018 redistribution, Spruce Woods includes the municipalities of Cornwallis, Elton, Glenboro - South Cypress, Oakland - Wawanesa, Riverdale, Sifton, Souris - Glenwood, Victoria, Whitehead, and the portion of the City of Brandon located north of the Assiniboine River.
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