Manitoba byelection could be close race in normally strong Tory constituency
The Manitoba legislature seat occupied by former premier Heather Stefanson has only been vacant for a few days, but interest is already growing among potential replacements.
Stefanson resigned from the Tuxedo seat in West Winnipeg on Monday, putting an end to a 23-year political career that included just over two years as Progressive Conservative party leader.
Four people have already expressed an interest in running to be the Tory candidate in a byelection that, under provincial law, must be held within six months, the party's president said.
"And we are looking at a date for a nomination ... and obviously that date could be expedited should the government and the premier decide to call a byelection earlier than later," Brent Pooles said.
One of the potential candidates willing to talk publicly Tuesday was Shannon Martin, who served nine years in the legislature until 2023. Martin said he was out knocking on doors in the Tuxedo area this week.
"I began literally last night," Martin said.
The Tuxedo seat has historically been a stronghold of the Progressive Conservatives, but in last year's provincial election, the NDP came within 300 votes of taking the seat as the New Democrats swept to power. The results were so close in Tuxedo, Stefanson was not declared a winner until two days after the election.
Premier Wab Kinew noted the closeness of that race on Tuesday.
"I definitely wish I would have gone canvassing in Tuxedo," he said.
Kinew did not say when he will call the byelection to replace Stefanson.
"We definitely are going to call the election sometime within the six-month period and make sure (Tuxedo residents) do get an active representative within the next half a year."
A spokesperson for New Democratic Party headquarters was unable to say how many people have so far expressed an interest in running for the party.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 7, 2024
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Ottawa driver who appeared to be racing another vehicle on Highway 416 facing charges
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) says an Ottawa driver is facing charges after being caught going 187 km/h on Highway 416.
Helicopter carrying Iran's hard-line president apparently crashes in foggy, mountainous region
A helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, the country's foreign minister and other officials apparently crashed in the mountainous northwest reaches of Iran on Sunday, sparking a massive rescue operation in a fog-shrouded forest as the public was urged to pray.
Canadian immigration asks medical worker fleeing Gaza if he treated Hamas fighters
Lawyers are questioning Canada’s approach to screening visa applications for people in Gaza with extended family in Canada after one applicant, a medical worker, was asked whether he had treated members of Hamas.
Walmart, Costco refusing to sign grocery code of conduct 'untenable': industry minister
Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne says it's 'untenable' for 'smaller players' like Walmart and Costco to delay signing on to the government- and industry-led grocery code of conduct, now that industry giant Loblaw has agreed to do so.
VIDEO Born without front legs, this dog has been inspiring the world for 3 years: Dresden farm owner
A sanctuary dedicated to animals with disabilities is celebrating the third birthday of one of its most popular residents.
BREAKING NEWS 'A horrible way to start the summer': 3 killed in serious boat crash on lake north of Kingston, Ont.
Three people were killed and five others were injured Saturday night following a boat crash on the Buck Bay area of Bobs Lake, north of Kingston, Ont., the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) said.
French security forces work to regain control of airport highway in violence-scorched New Caledonia
Using armoured vehicles and backhoes to shove aside charred barricades, French security forces worked Sunday to retake control of the highway to the international airport in violence-scorched New Caledonia, shuttered because of deadly unrest wracking the French Pacific archipelago where indigenous people have long sought independence from France.
Diddy admits beating ex-girlfriend Cassie, says he's sorry, calls his actions 'inexcusable'
Sean 'Diddy' Combs admitted Sunday that he beat his ex-girlfriend in a hotel hallway in 2016 after CNN released video of the attack, saying in a video apology he was 'truly sorry' and his actions were 'inexcusable.'
'It's pure joy!': B.C. pilot takes 96-year-old grandma on meaningful flight
“Good to see you,” Ryan Godard says before giving his 96-year-old grandma a big hug and walking her towards the small airplane. “Let’s get you prepped.”