Kinew, Stefanson discuss transfer of power

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 05/10/2023 (752 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Departing Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson exchanged pleasantries and offered a few words of advice to her successor, NDP Leader Wab Kinew, during a one-on-one meeting Thursday morning.

Stefanson and the premier-designate met briefly in her office for a photo opportunity and to discuss the transfer of power to the New Democrats from the Progressive Conservatives.

“On a personal level, Heather Stefanson and I shared some words about just being two people in politics, and she shared some advice about making time for family and ensuring that you can maintain that as you step into the role of being premier,” Kinew told reporters following the brief meeting.

“On the policy side, I think we are gaining greater clarity on our plan to hit the ground running to deliver affordability measures for the people of Manitoba.”

Kinew said the two discussed a power-transfer date but did not provide specifics.

“We still need to work on the logistics,” he said. “It’s in the coming weeks. I would say ‘plural.’”

Lawmakers could return to the chamber next month, Kinew said. His transition team is working toward nailing down a date for a swearing-in ceremony.

The opening date of the 43rd Manitoba legislature will depend on how rules regarding the certification of election results are interpreted, Kinew said.

“We’re seeking clarity on that,” he said. “We will bring the house back this November. We’re not sure on the specific date yet, because it is pending some of the results being confirmed.”

The premier-designate said he will have more to say about making good on his promise to temporarily suspend collection of the provincial gas tax “very soon.” The province currently charges 14 cents on every litre of gasoline.

Changes to legislation will be needed to follow through on the promised tax holiday, Kinew said.

“We’re starting to see not just how we can do that for Manitobans but also the mechanics of what we need to do in government to make your life more affordable,” the NDP leader and MLA for Fort Rouge said.

“Bottom line, you need help with the prices that you’re facing right now, you need help lowering costs for your family, and so now we’re putting our minds to how we’re going to actually do that for you the people of Manitoba.”

Before reporters were ushered out of the premier’s office, Kinew and Stefanson congratulated each other on their respective achievements; the NDP leader personally thanked Stefanson for her service and acknowledged her position as the first woman to serve as the province’s premier.

Stefanson announced her intention Tuesday night to step down as Tory leader after voters elected the NDP to a majority of seats in the legislature. She remains PC leader until an interim leader is selected.

“It’s very exciting, very exciting for our province,” Stefanson told Kinew, referring to his imminent swearing-in as the province’s first First Nations premier.

Kinew also said he’s willing to take any advice from the outgoing premier on the health-care system.

“We had a clear contrast between the investments we want to make in health care and what the PCs have been doing, but the fact of the matter is that the government has the binders with all information about the health-care system in it,” Kinew told reporters after the meeting.

“And so, of course any insight that they’re willing to share, I’ll take seriously.”

Stefanson did not take reporters’ questions Thursday. Earlier in the day, she chaired her last cabinet meeting.

Outgoing Tory ministers said so-long to reporters as they left the meeting before heading back to their offices to begin the move out of the legislative building.

Meanwhile, the elected Tory MLAs headed to the Opposition benches said they’re ready to get to roll up their sleeves and get back to work.

danielle.dasilva@freepress.mb.ca