The NDP have been telling the public that their current state of turmoil, which involves part of their Caucus in open rebellion and an upcoming leadership convention, is purely an internal issue. They would like Manitobans to believe that the NDP family feud has no impact on anyone else.
While it is no doubt a problem that began internally in the NDP Caucus, it is not something that has been confined there. As the government of Manitoba, there is no way that the dysfunction could not hurt Manitoba in ways that are big and small. Here are a few examples.
On the lesser end of the scale, the problems in the NDP have impacted the Manitoba Legislature itself. While the House did return for a short two week sitting, it took public pressure to even get the NDP to agree to that. When it was in session, there were instances of confusion as NDP Minister’s adjusted to their new portfolios and often seemed unsure of routine procedures.
On a local level, the NDP dysfunction has left certain critical issues hanging. In summer, the new entrance for the Bethesda Hospital opened. However, it quickly became apparent that it was impractical for people who were sick or had limited mobility as there is no ground level entrance. Assurances were given first by the Minister of Finance and then the Minister of Health that a fix to the problem would be coming. But both of those Minister’s resigned in the mutiny against Premier Greg Selinger. The new Minister of Finance does not have the file and the new Minister of Health is sympathetic and also wants to see a fix, but cannot offer any timeframe or solution. This is just one of many issues that no doubt got hung up in the dysfunction.
On the provincial scale, investors are casting a weary eye to the province as they watch the political instability. This was confirmed last week after the Premier gave his annual “State of the Province” address. The President of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, Dave Angus, said that the dysfunction around the NDP leadership was a distraction that is hurting Manitoba’s image across the country. He stated that it is difficult to have confidence and certainty when there is such political turmoil in the province.
It is clear that the problems within the NDP are more than just internal issues as they would have Manitobans believe. They are impacting, in a very real way, matters of government, matters of local importance, and financial issues across the province. Whatever is motivating the various factions within the NDP, it is certainly not the best interests of the province. Those interests are left to suffer while the internal NDP issues spill out across the province.
