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
'Unruly passenger' forces WestJet flight to make emergency landing in B.C.
A WestJet flight heading to Calgary had to make an emergency landing in northern B.C. Monday due to an incident involving an 'unruly passenger,' Mounties say.
The double-level airplane seat is back. This time, there’s a first-class version
It’s the airplane seat design that launched a thousand memes and kickstarted a media storm. And now the double-level seat is back – only this time, with a twist.
Three people shot to death in tiny South Dakota town; former mayor charged
Three people were shot to death in a small South Dakota town, and a former law officer who once served as the town's mayor is charged in the killings.
Debunking the 'anti-sunscreen' movement: Doctors say TikTok trend is dangerous
Dermatologists are sounding the alarm about misinformation from the anti-sunscreen movement, saying not wearing sunscreen can cause cancer and other problems.
Poilievre Conservatives offer to help Trudeau Liberals pass foreign interference bill
Pierre Poilievre's Conservative Party is offering to help Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal government pass a piece of legislation aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada.
Ont. university says professor fired over 'unethical' sexual relationships with students
An associate professor at McMaster University has been fired after its board of governors found that he engaged in 'unethical, inappropriate and in some instances exploitative' sexual relationships with students.
Richard Dreyfuss' comments about women, LGBTQ2S+ people and diversity lead venue to apologize
The actor Richard Dreyfuss showed up in a dress at a 'Jaws'-themed event in Massachusetts, where the blockbuster 1975 movie he starred in was shot, and then proceeded to make demeaning remarks about women, LGBTQ2S+ people and diversity.
'Irrefutable evidence': integrity commissioner finds Parole Board member sexually harassed 'several' employees
There is 'irrefutable evidence' a member of the Parole Board of Canada sexually harassed multiple employees, without adequate disciplinary action from management, according to a report by Canada's Public Sector Integrity Commissioner.
'Son of Sam' killer Berkowitz denied parole in 12th attempt
'Son of Sam' killer David Berkowitz, who set New York City on edge with late-night shootings in the 1970s, was denied parole after his twelfth board appearance.