Video of incident between two Manitoba politicians released
Posted April 27, 2023 3:44 pm.
Last Updated April 27, 2023 6:16 pm.
We’re learning more about an altercation between Obby Khan and Opposition NDP Leader Wab Kinew after surveillance video of the incident inside the legislature has been released.
The incident occurred on April 13 during a ceremony marking Manitoba’s first Turban Day.
In the video, which doesn’t have audio, Khan can be seen shaking Kinew’s hand and is seen pulling Khan back in as he tries to walk away.
The conversation continues before Khan leaves. Khan alleges Kinew used multiple curses, and insults and concluded the exchange with a physical shove to his stomach. A provincial spokesperson tells CityNews that Khan stands by what he alleges.
In a statement, the NDP says Khan lied, “Video evidence proves he lied about a serious accusation. That’s wrong and it was a desperate attempt to distract the PCs from their health care cuts.”
Political Analyst Shannon Sampert is worried people will be discouraged from voting in the upcoming October election if incidents like this continue throughout the election campaign.
“This really doesn’t say good things about what this next election is going to be about,” said Sampert.
“When you have this kind of foolishness, people just say, ‘everybody is an idiot and I do not want to support anyone,’ and they just don’t pay attention, and really who can blame them? We have to get beyond that if we actually want a province that is going to do well.”
- READ MORE: Manitoba MLA accuses the opposition Leader of shoving and swearing at him during a cultural event
University of Winnipeg Professor Malcolm Bird says incidents like these take time and energy away from real issues and problems that the provincial government needs to fix – issues like crime, health care and inflation.
“I think our elected officials need to focus on resolving those issues and talking about them and discussing them because there is a lot of pain and suffering in our society right now,” Bird explained.
Bird wants to see more respectful dialogue, particularly among elected officials.
“We need to have honest and open discussions with each other, particularly when we have differences. We have to listen, and we have to engage respectfully.”
Myrna Driedger, Speaker of the House in the Manitoba Legislature, says she was unable to rule on the matter as it happened outside the chamber walls, but she had some choice words Wednesday for all members in the house.
“I wish that you could all treat each other respectfully and honourably. I cannot count how many times I have stood in this spot and asked members to do better in your interactions with one another.”
