Selinger target of Pallister, Bokhari at Brandon debate

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This article was published 07/04/2016 (3448 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

BRANDON — Greg Selinger and Brian Pallister performed a high-wire act Thursday, trying to appear statesmanlike and premier-like while essentially calling each other incompetents and liars.

The two pretty much ignored Liberal Leader Rana Bokhari at the provincial leaders debate before the Brandon Chamber of Commerce.

Bokhari emphasized her youth and difference from the other two by referring to them as “these guys,” calling them by their first names, and firing what she later called “little jabs” to get attention.

The only time Pallister acknowledged Bokhari’s presence was when he challenged Selinger: “What’s worse, losing five candidates or losing five cabinet ministers?”

It was a reference to five Liberals who didn’t get properly nominated and the Gang of Five ministers who unsuccessfully tried to talk Selinger into quitting.

The two front-runners staked out familiar territory: Pallister depicting Selinger as a free-spender who’ll raise taxes, run a huge deficit and oversee a tanking economy; Selinger preferring largely to emphasize a list of achievements in health, education and Conference Board of Canada praise of the province’s economy, while occasionally painting Pallister as a slash-and-burn politician who’ll lay waste to teachers and health-care workers.

“Unlike my opponents, I know how to build teams,” said Pallister, stressing lower taxes and a strong economy will be his priorities. “Communities were built by teams.”

Pallister said Manitoba under the NDP has the highest child poverty level in Canada, the lowest education achievement levels and is driving away doctors.

“There is no problem that can’t be fixed by what is right with Manitobans,” Pallister said.

Pallister said taxes are so high in Manitoba people in Roblin and Swan River are going to Saskatchewan to shop.

“He believes you’re his personal ATM. If you don’t care about results, you make them up,” said Pallister. “Don’t give him the opportunity — he will do it again.”

Selinger cited NDP achievements in Brandon, such as the creation of a cancer treatment centre, improvements to Brandon University and the airport, and plans to build a new school in the south end.

Selinger ignored both of the other leaders in his opening address. “The results are everywhere to be seen in Brandon,” said Selinger.

“I come in with a vision of building this part of Manitoba,” Selinger said. He said the NDP has reduced small- and corporate-business taxes and has significantly grown the population. Selinger countered Pallister by saying Manitoba has more doctors and nurses than when the Conservatives last held office in 1999.

When Pallister attacked Selinger’s economic record, Selinger responded, “He just put out an amazing amount of misinformation.”

Bokhari hammered away at both Selinger and Pallister, while firing off a series of catchwords covering a multitude of issues she will support, including jobs, the environment and daycare.

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“It’s not about pretending you’re open for business. We’ve created a culture of fear in this province,” Bokhari said. “Everyone knows very well what both these parties represent — it’s been done a million times over.

“Not everything is about a specific dollar amount,” Bokhari said. “We need something that’s both social progressive and fiscally responsible at the same time. How do you guys imagine April 20, these two in the legislature? Nothing will change.”

Bokhari told the Brandon chamber she is fresh, modern and willing to take risks. She urged the chamber to give Pallister a round of applause for showing up at all.

Pallister later told reporters he is dismayed the NDP is trying to frighten teachers and other public servants with claims the Tories will slash jobs.

nick.martin@freepress.mb.ca