View From the Legislature

There is an often stated saying that a week is a long time in politics. And that has been proven to be true again.

Last week, Manitoba Premier and Progressive Conservative Leader Brian Pallister announced in Brandon, at a meeting of his Cabinet and Caucus, that he would be stepping down and called for a leadership race to replace him. The PC Party is now organizing that leadership convention, with dates to be announced soon, that will select not only the next leader of the PC Party but also the Premier of Manitoba.

While this means that the PC Party and the government of Manitoba are entering a time of transition, every day the work of government must continue. As an example, last week I met with United States Deputy Chief of Mission Katherine Brucker to discuss a number of issues related to trade and border access important to Manitoba and the United States. During a time of leadership transition, it is important to ensure that work continues to happen in the interests of Manitobans and in my current role as Deputy Premier I am committed to that effort.

The process by which the new leader of the Manitoba PC Party is selected is governed by the Constitution of the Party. Under these provisions the leadership selection will take place as a one member one vote process. More information about the timing of the leadership convention and other timelines will be determined soon.

I appreciated hearing from many local residents and others across the province encouraging me to seek the leadership of the Party. While I am grateful for these kind words of support, I have announced that I will not be seeking the position. For anyone considering the position of leadership there are a number of factors that are important. Key among them are the pressure and strains that it will place on their families. I know that the PC Party has many strong leaders capable of taking on this challenge and I look forward to supporting whoever is successful in the contest and becomes Manitoba’s next Premier.

I would also like to acknowledge the work and service of Brian Pallister and his wife Esther. For all Canadians, the past 18 months living through the pandemic has been difficult. That is true for those in government as well and I know that it has been an incredibly challenging time for all leaders. Many decisions that have been made have been both difficult and divisive. Those differences are experienced not just in society as a whole but within political parties as well. But even in times when I personally advocated for a position different than what was ultimately decided upon, I have understood the enormous challenge that finding the right path forward often is in government.

As the PC Party and the Manitoba government move through this time of transition, I look forward to continuing to work with Steinbach constituency residents and all Manitobans as we look towards a Manitoba future that is filled with promise and opportunity.