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
Severe thunderstorms, 15 cm of snow: Canadian weather forecast highlights
Well into spring, some parts of Canada could experience a wintry comeback, while other areas are bracing for severe thunderstorms, according to local forecasts.
Pope apologizes after using 'homophobic terms'
Pope Francis apologized Tuesday after he was quoted using a vulgar term about gay men to reaffirm the Catholic Church's ban on gay priests.
At least 60 reports of Lyme disease so far as Ontario enters tick season
Peak tick season is only just beginning but reports of bites – and tick-borne illnesses – are already higher than normal in Ontario.
Spy watchdog's foreign interference review finds 'unacceptable gaps' in accountability
The Canadian Security Intelligence Service and Public Safety Canada lacked a system for tracking who received and read specific intelligence on foreign interference, creating 'unacceptable gaps in accountability,' the national spy watchdog has found.
Tornado touches down west of the Island of Montreal
Emergency services in the town of Rigaud, Que. are investigating after a tornado touched down shortly after 5:30 p.m.
Man convicted in attack on Pelosi's husband back in court after judge's error
A man who assaulted U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's husband in 2022 will have another day in court on Tuesday after the federal judge overseeing the case failed to allow him to speak during his sentencing hearing earlier this month.
Teen was doing homework at family's Mississauga, Ont. restaurant when gunman opened fire: testimony
The 13-year-old sister of a young man killed in the attack on her family’s Mississauga restaurant in 2021 took the stand in a Brampton courthouse on Monday to describe the terrifying moments of coming under fire.
WATCH Airline pilot treated to stunning northern lights show during U.S.-Portugal flight
An airline pilot got quite a show on May 11 while flying from San Francisco to Lisbon when a solar storm caused stunning auroras.
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.