Spruce Woods Tory sworn in as newest MLA

Manitoba’s newest MLA was sworn in Monday afternoon.

Progressive Conservative Colleen Robbins, who won last month’s byelection in Spruce Woods, said she was up to the challenge.

“It’s just all really surreal — it’s just like, wow,” Robbins said after the swearing-in ceremony at the Manitoba Legislative Building. “Some days you just want to pinch yourself.”

One of her first orders of business, she said, is on Premier Wab Kinew to act on behalf of canola farmers.

“The Chinese tariffs are devastating and we need solutions,” Robbins said.

In March, Beijing imposed 100 per cent duties on Canadian canola oil and meal. In August, a further 75.8 per cent tariff was slapped on canola seed, a measure widely seen as a response to Canada’s 100 per cent tariff on Chinese electric vehicles.

“So far, the only thing the NDP government has done is ask Ottawa for solutions,” said Robbins. Neighbouring premiers in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario are taking action, she said.

“We have (Alberta Premier) Danielle Smith looking for new markets. Saskatchewan’s Premier (Scott) Moe is going to China to appeal to Beijing directly. (Ontario Premier) Doug Ford has promised a half a billion dollars (for critical minerals processing to accelerate development). And in Manitoba? No solutions, just waiting to hear what Ottawa (will do).

“I represent a lot of canola farmers, and I will be at that table asking for results,” Robbins said.

Federal Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald said Sunday in Winnipeg the $370-million in support for the canola industry and a new biofuel production incentive recently announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney is “just a start.” MacDonald was flanked by his provincial counterpart, Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn, who talked about building a “foundation for alternative uses for canola in the province and across Canada.”

Kostyshyn said in a statement Monday the province took action on canola tariffs immediately.

“Within 24 hours of the Chinese tariffs being announced, our government stood with farm leaders calling on Ottawa to reinvest tariff revenues here at home to support producers,” Kostyshyn said. Manitoba was the first province earlier this year to invest millions into enhanced business risk management programs to address the tariff threats, he added.

Manitoba has partnered with Saskatchewan to expand export routes through the Port of Churchill and met with delegations from across Europe and Asia to expand trade opportunities, Kostyshyn said.

Robbins also said she’d make sure Kinew keeps the funding promises he made ahead of the vote.

Kinew announced about $300 million in spending for the constituency before he called the byelection in July.

“I’m already hearing from constituents about the infrastructure projects, saying to me, ‘You better make sure (Kinew) comes through with all those promises that he did,’” Robbins said. “I am going to make sure that $300 million worth of promises for the byelection — that every one of them — are met.”

Robbins defeated NDP candidate Ray Berthelette by 70 votes, receiving 2,805 votes compared to Berthelette’s 2,735.

Robbins’ win gave the PCs 21 seats in the legislature, compared to 34 for the NDP. The Liberals hold one seat and there is one independent.

— with Brandon Sun files

carol.sanders@freepress.mb.ca