Bowman takes optimistic tack after long-sought ‘Bri-day’ meeting with premier

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This article was published 20/06/2019 (2685 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The two Brians finally got a chance to talk.

After requests for meetings with the premier were repeatedly rebuffed in the past several months, Mayor Brian Bowman said Brian Pallister’s office invited him for a conversation on Monday and he rushed to the legislature.

“We had a good discussion on a number of issues,” Bowman told reporters on Thursday.

The two leaders met for about 90 minutes and talked about economic development, the meth problem and infrastructure funding, among other things, he said.

Bowman said he’d had just three previous meetings with the premier since Manitoba changed governments in May 2016. They were all  positive and resulted in advancing files. He expressed optimism about what Monday’s chat accomplished.

“It was a good, frank discussion between two people who really care about the province and I appreciate that opportunity to speak with him.”

Pallister did not respond to a request for an interview but a spokeswoman said the premier also believes the meeting was beneficial.

“Premier Pallister and Mayor Bowman had a positive and productive meeting on Monday to discuss mutual opportunities and shared concerns,” she said. “The province looks forward to working with the city and all municipalities to bring greater stability, security, affordability and opportunity for all Manitobans.”

Bowman didn’t say whether the Sept. 10 provincial election, which Pallister announced on Wednesday, was discussed. Bowman told reporters he won’t hesitate to speak out on issues important to the city during the election campaign.

“I’ll certainly be available and engage throughout the election to talk about issues that I feel are important to the City of Winnipeg,” he said, adding residents need to confront political parties and their leaders about how they will work with city hall.

Bowman said two-thirds of the province’s population lives in Winnipeg and how the governing party is prepared to work with city hall is critical to the province’s future.

“Winnipeg matters in this election. Winnipeg matters for the success of our province. We want to see our province succeed.”

Bowman said he won’t endorse any candidate or political party but said Winnipeggers should support the party that is best prepared to support the city.

The three most pressing issues facing Winnipeg are public safety, transportation infrastructure and recreation, the mayor said.

“As we grow, we need strong provincial partners,” he said. “An election is an opportunity for all the leaders to talk and demonstrate how they will work collaboratively with us.”

aldo.santin@freepress.mb.ca