Heather Stefanson stepping down as PC leader
Following the defeat of her party, Heather Stefanson has announced she will be stepping down as the leader of the Progressive Conservatives.
Following the announcement of the NDP forming government, Stefanson spoke with party supporters at the PC headquarters and said she will be stepping down as leader.
“It has been the honour of my life serving the people of Manitoba,” she said.
Stefanson took over the reins of the PC leadership in 2022 after former Premier Brian Pallister stepped down. She narrowly beat opponent Shelly Glover in the leadership race.
“I thank all Manitobans from the bottom of my heart for giving me the privilege to serve as the first woman premier in this beautiful province of ours," Stefanson said Tuesday night.
During his victory speech, NDP premier-elect Wab Kinew acknowledged Stefanson and the work she has done as premier.
“I want to thank you for your service to our province and country,” Kinew said. “You were the first woman premier of Manitoba and I look forward to working with you on an orderly transition as we stand up as Manitoba’s next government.
During her speech Tuesday, Stefanson also thanked and congratulated all the candidates who will be representing the Progressive Conservatives in the Manitoba Legislature.
“I remember the excitement I felt when I first was elected that night and I hope you feel the same way. You have captured the optimism and the confidence of your community,” said Stefanson.
Stefanson also thanked her family for supporting her through this and previous elections.
“We know that there have been some great times in the past 23 years and there’s been some challenging times no doubt. But every step of the way you have been with me and I could not have done it without you.”
Stefanson first came to office in 2000 and has represented the constituency of Tuxedo ever since.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Cybersecurity incident' shuts down London Drugs stores across Western Canada
All 79 locations of pharmacy and retail chain London Drugs were shut down Sunday after it was the victim of a “cybersecurity incident.”
CDC says it's identified 1st documented cases of HIV transmitted through cosmetic needles
Three women diagnosed with HIV after getting 'vampire facial' procedures at an unlicensed medical spa are believed to be the first documented cases of people contracting the virus through a cosmetic procedure using needles.
Canucks pull off comeback, top Predators 4-3 in OT
Elias Lindholm scored 1:02 into overtime and the Vancouver Canucks came all the way back to beat the Nashville Predators 4-3 in Game 4 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday.
Deadly six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 sparked by road rage incident
One person was killed in a six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 in Innisfil Friday evening.
Aerial photos show wide devastation left by a deadly tornado in China's Guangzhou
Aerial photos posted by Chinese state media on Sunday showed wide devastation in part of the southern city of Guangzhou after a tornado swept through the day before, killing five people, injuring dozens others and damaging more than 140 buildings.
Ontario to ban use of cellphones in school classrooms starting in September
Ontario is introducing a suite of measures that will crack down on cellphone use and vaping in schools.
Australian prime minister describes domestic violence as a 'national crisis' after protests
Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Monday described domestic violence as a 'national crisis' after thousands rallied around the country against violence toward women.
Casey DeSmith won’t start Game 4 for the Canucks
Rookie goalie Arturs Silovs will start in net for the Vancouver Canucks when they face the Nashville Predators in Game 4 of their first-round playoff series Sunday.
Putin likely didn't order death of Russian opposition leader Navalny, U.S. official says
U.S. intelligence officials have determined that Russian President Vladimir Putin likely didn't order the death of imprisoned opposition leader Alexei Navalny in February, according to an official familiar with the determination.