Mayoral rematch between Gillingham, Klein gets ugly on Day 1

Former city councillor and provincial cabinet minister Kevin Klein says he will soon enter the race to become Winnipeg’s next mayor — prompting an immediate war of words with incumbent Scott Gillingham.

Gillingham quickly responded to the announcement by calling Klein “toxic” and a “fixer” for Peter Nygard.

Klein said Tuesday he had decided not to enter the mayoral race weeks ago due to an unspecified health scare that required surgery. After recovering, he decided to run.

“The future of the city means a lot to me. I believe that we have so much untapped potential that I felt I should do something about it,” said Klein, noting he felt compelled to run because key city issues, such as perceptions of public safety in the downtown, have grown worse over the past four years.

The former Charleswood-Tuxedo-Westwood councillor and Manitoba Progressive Conservative environment minister finished third in the 2022 mayoral race with 28,806 votes. Scott Gillingham claimed a narrow victory with 53,663, followed by Glen Murray with 49,272.

Klein planned to register his mayoral bid in a day or two but had not done so by late Tuesday afternoon. He is poised to enter the race a few weeks before the Sept. 22 deadline.

“It’s going to be a sprint, not a marathon. But we’re ready to do the job,” said Klein.

Gillingham, who is seeking re-election, put out a written statement Tuesday morning, soon after Klein confirmed his plans, which labelled the former city councillor as a “toxic” candidate.

“Kevin Klein is notorious for his work as a Caribbean political fixer for Peter Nygard — and that’s just one of many controversies from his career. Members of every political party have been targeted by Klein’s constant attacks and personal criticisms. At a point when the governments of Canada and Manitoba are collaborating with Winnipeg on major priorities, electing Klein will send a signal to close those doors of co-operation,” the statement said.

Klein worked for fashion mogul Peter Nygard over two periods, including about four months in 2012 and two weeks in 2014. Nygard was later convicted of multiple counts of sexual assault and is in prison.

In an interview, Gillingham said that work experience is part of Klein’s record that should be highlighted for voters.

“People in Winnipeg need to know who Kevin Klein is. And he’s got a history of questionable relationships, including with Peter Nygard,” he said.

He accused Klein of supporting U.S. President Donald Trump and his colleagues. In July, Klein attended and wrote about a gathering in Ottawa that was hosted by U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra.

“We’re in a time right now, when Trump has declared, in essence, (an) economic war on our nation. He keeps … referring to us as the 51st state, and then Klein runs off to Ottawa to spend time with Pete Hoekstra,” said Gillingham.

Klein promptly refuted Gillingham’s claims about his work for Nygard.

“It is not true. As I’ve said on numerous occasions, I worked for Peter for four months. I found out that I did not like the person, I did not like working for him and I quit,” he said.

Klein said his wife accompanied him on every trip he made with Nygard. He accused Gillingham of “acting like (U.S. President) Donald Trump now and starting a smear campaign.”

“This is childish and it’s unacceptable,” he said.

Klein said he does not support Trump or his ambassador but is dedicated to ensuring a trade resolution.

In terms of city issues, Klein noted Gillingham promised to raise taxes by 3.5 per cent each year but levied a 5.95 per cent tax hike in 2025. On April 1, 2025, the annual per-home garbage fee also rose to $254 (prorated to $190.50) from $93 and the typical home’s sewer rate increased by $168.03 for the rest of that year.

“It’s impacting families … They’ve added on another hidden tax with the garbage collection fee that used to be part of your property taxes,” said Klein.

Klein represented the Charleswood-Tuxedo-Westwood ward from 2018 to 2022. He became the MLA for Kirkfield Park in a December 2022 byelection and later became environment minister, but lost the seat in the 2023 provincial election.

As the current president and CEO of the Klein Group, which owns the Winnipeg Sun, Klein said he will stop writing columns due to the campaign. He promised to step away “entirely” from the job, if elected.

Gillingham said Klein was highly critical and negative of others as a city councillor, failing to collaborate.

The mayor defended his decision to raise property taxes at a higher rate than he promised, stating the revenue was needed.

“We’ve been making the hard decisions that no one else had the courage to make,” said Gillingham.

He said Klein’s claim on public safety comments ignores data that shows overall crime rates have dropped.

A political expert said Klein’s experience means he stands out in the crowded mayoral race.

“He’s a credible candidate. It changes the flavour of this campaign,” said Christopher Adams, a University of Manitoba adjunct professor of political science.

And while he’s entering the race months after some of his competitors, Klein could benefit from that timing, said Adams.

“I would say that it’s late but it’s not too late … During federal, provincial and civic elections, usually the summer is the slow time. Once Labour Day kicks in and kids are going (back) to school … people are more around and they’re more attentive,” said Adams.

He noted Klein’s 2022 mayoral bid identified many donors and door-knockers.

Mayoral candidate Mike Vogiatzakis urged voters to stop “recycling politicians” and seek a new person to lead city council instead of Gillingham or Klein.

“What we need in the city is new blood, somebody who’s got fire in their heart, that wants to make change in the city,” said Vogiatzakis, suggesting he fits that bill.

Klein’s registration would make him the 12th person to register a mayoral bid. Christopher Clacio, Umar Hayat, Mazher Alam, Don Woodstock, Joshua Pagdato, Johnny Calderon, Noah Redden, Zac Uminski and Brad Gross have all previously registered.

Election Day is Oct. 28.

joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca

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