Manitoba Premier Stefanson not ruling out early election

Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson is not ruling out an early election.

Under provincial law, the election is scheduled for next Oct. 3, although governments are allowed to call the vote earlier.

Stefanson’s predecessor, Brian Pallister, called the last election a year ahead of schedule and won a second straight mandate for the Progressive Conservatives.

Opinion polls over the last two years have consistently suggested Tory support has dropped sharply and the Opposition New Democrats have gained a lead.

Stefanson says she is committed to having an election on or before the scheduled date, and the Tories will decide on the timing at some point before then.

NDP Leader Wab Kinew says his party is ready for an early election, with strong fundraising and more than half its candidates already nominated.