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THE Progressive Conservative Party of Manitoba made history on Oct. 30 when Heather Stefanson was elected as the party’s leader and therefore assumed the role of the province’s first female premier.

The results were closer than many had expected and, unfortunately, the days following have been plagued by headlines about the selection process. But if we can look past heavily disputed claims about ballot-box chicanery, brighter days are in sight for Manitoba.

Despite claims by critics that this leadership process was set up to be a coronation for Stefanson, the past couple of months demonstrated the true power of grassroots politics. As a result of the leadership campaign, the PC Party has grown significantly in a short period of time, from roughly 5,000 members to more than 25,000.

Policy debates amongst members in communities throughout the province brought fresh ideas to a party that had gone far too long without a contested leadership race. Supporters of Stefanson’s rival, Shelly Glover, brought new perspectives to a party that was frankly growing too comfortable within the walls of the Manitoba Legislature.