Talking shop on new cabinet By: Maggie Macintosh Posted: 6:21 PM CDT Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023

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This article was published 18/10/2023 (1006 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Manitoba marked many firsts as Premier Wab Kinew revealed the 14 members of his inner circle during a swearing-in event steeped in Indigenous culture and ceremony Wednesday.

Here’s what local leaders had to say about the historic event:

Manitoba Métis Federation

MMF president David Chartrand called it “a good day in Manitoba,” citing the diverse make-up of Manitoba’s freshly minted cabinet, which includes two Métis women (Bernadette Smith and Renée Cable).

“Diversity means more perspectives and opportunities for stronger relationships, built on shared understanding and mutual respect. Premier Kinew has made himself accountable for Indigenous reconciliation, which is a good indicator that this will be one of his key priorities,” Chartrand said.

“(Louis) Riel must be smiling down on his little Nation and the province he helped create.”

Keystone Agricultural Producers

General manager Brenna Mahoney welcomed back Ron Kostyshyn (MLA for Dauphin), who was NDP minister of agriculture from 2012-16.

“Kostyshyn’s past experience in this role, as well as personal experience as a producer, should provide confidence that Manitoba producers will continue to have a voice at the cabinet table,” Mahoney said, noting farmers’ key priorities include addressing labour shortages and designing accessible programs.

Winnipeg city hall

Mayor Scott Gillingham applauded the creation of a new mega-portfolio for the intersectional issues of housing, addictions and homelessness. The holistic approach will allow Smith (MLA for Point Douglas) to be nimble, he said.

“I think it’s a smart move, and I’m really looking forward to working with Minister Smith on this… She has a good grasp on the file of homelessness and what people are facing on our streets.”

Manitoba Chambers of Commerce

“We’re going to give them the benefit of the doubt,” said Chuck Davidson, chambers president and chief executive officer.

“It’s going to take some time for the new ministers to understand their files. We’ll come in with priorities for us, (including making sure) we’ve got a competitive business plan.”

Davidson said he does not anticipate the NDP government will end the payroll tax, but it is promising officials have signaled interest in recent recommendations his team made with regard to strengthening economic competitiveness and recruiting talent.

Manitoba School Boards Association

Organization president Sandy Nemeth described Nello Altomare (MLA for Transcona), a career educator who is now in charge of the K-12 education file, as “a good friend of MSBA and of public education.”

The former education critic knows the key players in the sector and has a solid understanding of pressing issues, including the importance of introducing a new funding formula and the impact poverty has on student learning, Nemeth said.

“(We need a formula) that is sustainable, adequate, somewhat predictable in terms of planning down the road and that takes into consideration all the needs that divisions have, large and small.”

Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs

“True greatness arises when we all work together, and as we move forward hand in hand, I am confident that under Premier Kinew’s leadership, what has happened here in Manitoba will inspire generations to come,” AMC Grand Chief Cathy Merrick said.

The AMC issued a release congratulating the incoming government on its historic celebration of Manitoba’s first First Nations premier.

End Homelessness Winnipeg

“We have an incoming government that I think understands the challenges that we’ve been trying to address — the interconnectedness among addictions and housing and homelessness. I’ve said, repeatedly, ‘All roads lead to housing,’” said Jason Whitford, chief executive officer.

Whitford noted rookie minister Smith is a well-known advocate for families affected by the missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls crisis. (Smith’s sister, Claudette Osborne, has been missing since 2008.)

“Our community so desperately needs resources to keep women safe… I’m certain that (Smith) will take a special interest in that topic.”

CUPE Manitoba

“It means, for us, hope,” said Gina McKay, president of the local chapter of the Canadian Union for Public Employees. “We spent the last eight years shoulder-to-shoulder with many of these (new cabinet ministers at labour rallies and protests against Tory wage-freeze legislation).”

Manitoba Liberal Party

Cindy Lamoureux, interim party leader and MLA for Tyndall Park, noted the new cabinet is four seats smaller than the last. Its size — 14 members, in addition to the premier — cannot diminish the government’s ability to provide critical services, she said.

“Mental health, for example, warrants a standalone portfolio.”

Manitoba Building Trades

Executive director Tanya Palson said she’s optimistic about Jamie Moses (MLA for St. Vital), formerly critic of advanced education, joining government’s inner circle.

“We’re expecting apprenticeship to now move to his new file (economic development, investment and trade), which I think makes a lot of sense. We’re really focused on that on-the-job piece of apprenticeship training and having it more linked in with economic strategy.”

maggie.macintosh@freepress.mb.ca