Manitoba’s next premier will be named Saturday when the governing PC party’s new leader is chosen..Candidates Shelly Glover, 54, and Heather Stefanson, 51, are both seasoned politicians..Much breathless ado has been made over the fact the province’s next premier will be a woman; which is somewhat baffling considering that glass ceiling was already shattered with subsequent performances offering not a lot to boast about..Think Alberta and Ontario. But that can be attributed to party affiliation and accompanying destructive policies, as much as abysmal leadership failure that harmed both provinces..It’s about substance, not gender..Roughly 24,000 Manitoba PC party members eligible to vote cast their ballots by mail or delivery to the party’s Winnipeg office..The results will be announced during an in-person event at Winnipeg’s Victoria Inn, allowing limited attendees who all must be fully vaccinated. So, to be clear, unvaccinated votes are most welcome, but those who cast them, stay away..And that brings us to a core issue the candidates differ on that is paramount in the minds of voting members: getting through COVID and mandates in place..“I believe no one should lose their job because of their personal health decision,” said Stefanson — who served as health minister until she bailed to run for the leadership — in reference to vaccination requirements..Yet she staunchly supports the strict COVID mandates and compulsory vaccinations she helped put in place that are causing people, including front-line health workers, to lose their jobs..Glover said alternatives must be found to mandatory vaccinations because reducing the number of employees caring for patients isn’t an option.. Screen-Shot-2021-10-27-at-3.07.43-PMShelley Glover. Courtesy CBC .She promised no more vilifying or firing the unvaccinated, or blanket lockdowns for small and medium-sized businesses..In fact, Glover said former premier Brian Pallister’s “tyranny is over” for both Manitobans and MLAs he kept on a tight leash..Stefanson appears to be the favorite, having garnered the backing of the majority of caucus before Glover entered the race. However, political pundits opine Glover shouldn’t be counted out..On the surface the race has been amicable. There was a wee back and forth over Stefanson’s claim that Glover would fire or try to oust MLAs who didn’t support her. Glover challenged her to prove it. She didn’t..Stefanson, the establishment candidate, was first elected in Tuxedo in 2000. She has served as deputy premier, justice minister, minister of families, and most recently as health minister when appointed January 2021..Glover, embraced as the grassroots candidate, is a 28-year Winnipeg Police Service veteran..She was elected as a member of Parliament in the 2008 federal election and served the Saint Boniface riding until 2015. She was a member of the Privy Council of Canada and served as heritage minister..The membership also weighed both candidate’s stands on strengthening the economy, education, and health care systems; building better relations with the province’s indigenous groups; and supporting business..The winner, to be sworn in at a later date, will replace interim Premier Kelvin Goertzen who took over when Pallister resigned as premier September 1..Whoever emerges victorious faces the formidable task of reviving support for a party losing ground to the NDP..And regaining the trust of Manitobans..Slobodian is the Senior Manitoba Columnist for the Western Standard.,.lslobodian@westernstandardonline.com
Manitoba’s next premier will be named Saturday when the governing PC party’s new leader is chosen..Candidates Shelly Glover, 54, and Heather Stefanson, 51, are both seasoned politicians..Much breathless ado has been made over the fact the province’s next premier will be a woman; which is somewhat baffling considering that glass ceiling was already shattered with subsequent performances offering not a lot to boast about..Think Alberta and Ontario. But that can be attributed to party affiliation and accompanying destructive policies, as much as abysmal leadership failure that harmed both provinces..It’s about substance, not gender..Roughly 24,000 Manitoba PC party members eligible to vote cast their ballots by mail or delivery to the party’s Winnipeg office..The results will be announced during an in-person event at Winnipeg’s Victoria Inn, allowing limited attendees who all must be fully vaccinated. So, to be clear, unvaccinated votes are most welcome, but those who cast them, stay away..And that brings us to a core issue the candidates differ on that is paramount in the minds of voting members: getting through COVID and mandates in place..“I believe no one should lose their job because of their personal health decision,” said Stefanson — who served as health minister until she bailed to run for the leadership — in reference to vaccination requirements..Yet she staunchly supports the strict COVID mandates and compulsory vaccinations she helped put in place that are causing people, including front-line health workers, to lose their jobs..Glover said alternatives must be found to mandatory vaccinations because reducing the number of employees caring for patients isn’t an option.. Screen-Shot-2021-10-27-at-3.07.43-PMShelley Glover. Courtesy CBC .She promised no more vilifying or firing the unvaccinated, or blanket lockdowns for small and medium-sized businesses..In fact, Glover said former premier Brian Pallister’s “tyranny is over” for both Manitobans and MLAs he kept on a tight leash..Stefanson appears to be the favorite, having garnered the backing of the majority of caucus before Glover entered the race. However, political pundits opine Glover shouldn’t be counted out..On the surface the race has been amicable. There was a wee back and forth over Stefanson’s claim that Glover would fire or try to oust MLAs who didn’t support her. Glover challenged her to prove it. She didn’t..Stefanson, the establishment candidate, was first elected in Tuxedo in 2000. She has served as deputy premier, justice minister, minister of families, and most recently as health minister when appointed January 2021..Glover, embraced as the grassroots candidate, is a 28-year Winnipeg Police Service veteran..She was elected as a member of Parliament in the 2008 federal election and served the Saint Boniface riding until 2015. She was a member of the Privy Council of Canada and served as heritage minister..The membership also weighed both candidate’s stands on strengthening the economy, education, and health care systems; building better relations with the province’s indigenous groups; and supporting business..The winner, to be sworn in at a later date, will replace interim Premier Kelvin Goertzen who took over when Pallister resigned as premier September 1..Whoever emerges victorious faces the formidable task of reviving support for a party losing ground to the NDP..And regaining the trust of Manitobans..Slobodian is the Senior Manitoba Columnist for the Western Standard.,.lslobodian@westernstandardonline.com
