Winnipeg Free Press | Newsletter
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Trading accusations instead of ideas
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Winnipeg’s mayoral race took a decidedly ugly turn this past week when two candidates each accused the other of offering a bribe to drop out of the race.
Mike Vogiatzakis and Kevin Klein each claim the other offered a position at city hall in exchange for withdrawing from the race.
And in a bizarre development, Klein also said he was offered an inducement by the provincial Tories to drop out of the 2022 mayoral race (Klein ran and lost in that one).
Naturally, both Vogiatzakis and Klein denied the allegations (as did the PC party) and accused each other of lying.
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Frankly, it’s beginning to sound more like a schoolyard shouting match than a municipal election. And with only three weeks left in the race, the mudslinging has created an unfortunate distraction from the issues most voters would probably prefer candidates focus on.
Meanwhile, a new poll out this week gave mayoral challengers a bit of a boost. An Abacus Data poll found half of Winnipeggers believe the city is headed in the wrong direction.
That’s bad news for incumbent mayoral candidate Scott Gillingham, who has to take at least some responsibility for that dissatisfaction. But it’s good news for those who want his job, as they can point to the survey as a strong indication change is needed at city hall.
Here’s hoping all candidates spend more time debating the issues and less time trying to tear each other down between now and Oct. 28.
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Tom Brodbeck, Free Press columnist
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NEWS YOU CAN USE
Advance polls are now open for civic and school board elections.
Voters can cast early ballots for the Oct. 28 election in certain locations through Oct. 23. All advance polling locations are available to any eligible voter, regardless of where you live.
Now open:
- City Hall: Oct. 5 to 23, see hours here.
- University of Winnipeg: Today, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- University of Manitoba: Today, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Canada Life Centre: Today and tomorrow, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- You can apply to vote by mail until Oct. 25.
Later this week:
- IKEA: Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Kildonan Place: Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Garden City Shopping Centre: Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Next week:
Later this month:
- Community advance voting locations will be open Oct. 19 to 22 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at locations in every city ward. See details here.
Eligible voters can also use their address to search on the city’s website for a convenient location.
All voters must have valid identification, such as an up-to-date driver’s licence, that shows their name and current address. Elections staff will also accept two documents that show the voter’s name and current address. More on identification requirements.
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TOP NEWS
Matthew Frank:
The election of our discontent
Posted: 2:37 PM CDT Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026
Winnipeg a troubled city spinning its wheels at a crumbling crossroads, grumbling residents say in poll
Read More
Winnipeg Free Press | Newsletter
Election Extra
During Elections
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OPINION AND ANALYSIS
Erna Buffie:
Transit, roads and city council’s priorities
Posted: 2:00 AM CDT Friday, Oct. 2, 2026
Did any of you happen to notice that the week of Sept. 14 marked an interesting confluence of events in Winnipeg? First up was the mayoral debate on public transit. Second was an announcement that the city would be undertaking a survey to determine whether their citizens’ “transportation needs” are being met.
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Robin Bezte:
Small businesses outline election priorities
Posted: 2:00 AM CDT Friday, Oct. 2, 2026
An empty storefront never feels like just vacant real estate. It represents someone’s investment and hope. When a small business disappears, the community loses a piece of itself.
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MAYORAL RACE
Joyanne Pursaga:
Klein vows city ombudsman would bring transparency
Posted: 5:27 PM CDT Monday, Oct. 5, 2026
Mayoral candidate Kevin Klein is promising to build public trust in city hall, if elected, with a new municipal ombudsman.
Klein expects the change would ramp up transparency and ensure complaints ...
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Malak Abas:
Gillingham on the go
Posted: 4:54 PM CDT Friday, Oct. 2, 2026
Winnipeg’s mayor, seeking a second term in the upcoming election, does double duty while hitting the campaign trail
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COUNCIL RACES
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SCHOOL TRUSTEE RACES
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