Ballot-box results reaction

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This article was published 03/10/2023 (757 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

After months of speculation, numerous speeches, a few polls and many advertisements in both newspapers and social media, the New Democratic Party of Manitoba has won the province’s 43rd general election and tossed the Progressive Conservative government out after seven years in power.

Here are how some Manitobans were reacting to the results:

Winnipeg mayor Scott Gillingham: “I wish to extend my warmest congratulations to premier-designate Wab Kinew and the Manitoba NDP on their electoral victory. Mr. Kinew and his party clearly have earned the trust and mandate of Manitobans, and I am optimistic about what we can achieve for our city and our province. Together, we have the opportunity to address some of the most pressing issues our community faces. Our shared vision for a single, comprehensive plan to combat homelessness, inspired by the Houston model, resonates deeply with me. By prioritizing a housing-first approach complemented by wrap-around support services and robust data tracking, we can make a real difference in the lives of many, ensuring everyone has a place to call home.”

Darlene Jackson, Manitoba Nurses Union president: “What we have seen tonight, we hope, is the beginning of a new era for Manitobans — one where each one of us feels optimistic about the future; where social services are restored and where nurses are treated with respect. The last several months of campaigning have shown a glimpse into the dark side of politics; in fact, fear mongering, disrespectful campaigning backfired in this election. That reaffirms that American-style politics does not resonate with Manitobans.”

Doctors Manitoba president Dr. Michael Boroditsky: “Doctors Manitoba congratulates Mr. Kinew and the NDP, and we look forward to working with them on recruiting and retaining more doctors, expanding team-based care and building up our hospital capacity. We thank the outgoing premier and her government for the progress made in recent months, and now we turn our attention to working with a new government to tackle the long waits and doctor shortage, issues that are still in need of more action. Physicians want and need to be involved with improving health care in the weeks and months ahead.”

Loren Remillard, Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce: “If these results hold, Manitobans have voted for change. … It gives us confidence both parties talked about a strong Manitoba economy and we will work with the new government as we have in the past. Clearly, Manitobans want government that’s more not on the extreme, particularly in social issues.”

Chuck Davidson, Manitoba Chambers of Commerce: “Manitobans were looking for change, and the message from Wab and the NDP resonated, especially with Winnipeg voters. We will work with the new government to continue to work on growing the economy and addressing workforce challenges and creating strong communities in the province.”

Gage Haubrich, Canadian Taxpayers Federation: “Tax relief needs to be the top priority for the new government. Manitobans are struggling to afford gas and groceries, and the sooner the new government can make life more affordable with its promised gas-tax cut, the better for Manitobans. … The NDP promised an eventual surplus in its platform, it needs to get to that surplus as soon as possible.”

Brianna Solberg, Canadian Federation of Independent Business: “CFIB congratulates premier-designate Wab Kinew and the Manitoba NDP for their election as Manitoba’s next provincial government. We look forward to working with you to ensure the issues facing small businesses are a priority. This includes reducing the tax burden for businesses, improving public infrastructure and addressing crime and safety issues.”

Thomas Linner, Manitoba Health Coalition: “The Manitoba Health Coalition sees the (election) result as an opportunity to move on from the last seven years of cuts, chaos and privatization. It is time to put patients and families first with a strong public health-care system.”

Kevin Rebeck, Manitoba Federation of Labour: “Manitobans have given a huge rejection to the Conservatives’ battle against the health system and workers, and all the cuts they have seen. The Conservatives have run a campaign of fear and cuts, and that’s not what Manitobans want. It’s a huge rejection of their plan and ideology.”

Kyle Ross, Manitoba Government and General Employees’ Union president: “To fix Manitoba’s public services, the new government will need to work with its workers not against them. So, we’re hopeful the change in government will mean a real change in the province’s approach to labour relations.”

kevin.rollason@freepress.mb.ca

Kevin Rollason
Reporter

Kevin Rollason is a general assignment reporter at the Free Press. He graduated from Western University with a Masters of Journalism in 1985 and worked at the Winnipeg Sun until 1988, when he joined the Free Press. He has served as the Free Press’s city hall and law courts reporter and has won several awards, including a National Newspaper Award. Read more about Kevin.

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