The future and their pasts, mayoral candidates debate in Winnipeg
A mayoral debate Wednesday hosted by the Manitoba Heavy Construction Association saw four of Winnipeg’s 11 mayoral hopefuls talk crime, infrastructure and economic development.
Glen Murray, Scott Gillingham, Shaun Loney, and Kevin Klein – who are all polling with double digit numbers - all discussed how they would work to improve the city if they become mayor.
Loney shared his experience of hiring gang members, which will help curb crime.
“I want to employ those gang members and I want them to be on your payrolls, because they make fantastic employees,” said Loney.
Gillingham was focused on extending Chief Peguis Trail and widening Kenaston Boulevard.
“We need to make it’s expanded to accommodate the exciting new Indigenous-led development,” said Gillingham.
Klein on the other hand was critical of Gillingham’s plan to raise property taxes by 3.5 per cent a year for roads and transit.
“First of all, the very first thing we need to do is figure out if we have a revenue problem or a spending problem at city hall,” said Klein.
Lastly, Murray stood on his record as the former mayor, saying things aren’t running as smoothly at city hall since he left.
“I want to build the tax base, not the tax burden and together we can get Winnipeg back on track,” said Murray.
But questions about what they will do, soon turned into questions about the candidates past actions and associations.
Mayor Brian Bowman has been criticized by some at city hall saying they have been shut out of key decision. As a close ally of Bowman’s, Gillingham was asked why he’d be any different.
“Brian Bowman and I are two different people, very different people. One of the first discussions I will have as mayor is with the CAO to talk about the need for culture change,” said Gillingham.
Klein was asked about his time working with disgraced fashion designed Peter Nygard, who he worked with on two brief occasions.
“I left within four months because he’s a terrible person and I wouldn’t suggest anybody work for him, but I didn’t see anything illegal,” said Klein.
Then Murray was questioned what he learned from his experience at the Pembina Institute where he worked in 2017-18.
This question coming after allegations that he sexually harassed employees while serving as executive director.
He has denied the claims, but did acknowledge problems with his management style saying changes in his life spilled into the workplace.
“I’ve been CEO of private companies, public companies and not everyone is a good fit. You take responsibility, which I have, for the mistakes that you make,” said Murray.
Later on in the day at separate announcement, Murray was reluctant to discuss the allegations in greater detail.
“I’ve given a statement on it, I had questions today. If you want to talk about something, talk to the comms team. They’d be happy to have that conversation.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Half of Canadians have negative opinion of latest Liberal budget: poll
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
NEW 'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Canadian couple among tourists on sinking sailing boat tour abroad
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their “extremely dangerous” experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
An Ontario senior called Geek Squad for help with his printer. Instead, he got scammed out of $25,000
An Ontario senior’s attempt to get technical help online led him into a spoofing scam where he lost $25,000. Now, he’s sharing his story to warn others.
Accused of burglary at stepmother's home, U.S. senator says she wanted her father's ashes: charges
A Minnesota state senator and former broadcast meteorologist told police that she broke into her stepmother's home because her stepmother refused to give her items of sentimental value from her late father, including his ashes, according to burglary charges filed Tuesday.
Twins from Toronto were Canada's top two female finishers at this year's Boston Marathon
When identical twin sisters Kim and Michelle Krezonoski were invited to compete against some of the world’s most elite female runners at last week’s Boston Marathon, they were in disbelief.