CTV News is projecting the Progressive Conservative Party of Manitoba has formed a majority government, ushering out an NDP majority that previously captured four consecutive terms.
Although results continue to roll in, Tory Leader Brian Pallister is also projected to retain his seat in Fort Whyte. He first won the riding in a 2012 by-election triggered by former Tory Leader Hugh McFadyen’s resignation.
The New Democrats’ 2013 decision to hike the provincial sales tax from 7 per cent to 8 per cent proved to be a sticking point in NDP Leader Greg Selinger’s re-election campaign. He repeatedly told media while he regretted catching Manitobans off-guard, the decision was necessary to pay for mounting flood costs.
Pallister’s Tories were long predicted to come out on top, with numerous pollsters and pundits tapping the Conservatives to oust the NDP after an 18-year run as majority government.
