Many new MLAs headed to Manitoba legislature

There’s a new government in Manitoba and amongst those set to take their seats at the Legislature are more than two dozen candidates who have never been in the building before. CityNews caught up with them about what they’re hoping to accomplish as newly elected officials and what it’s been like making their first run for elected office.

Jennifer Chen, now MLA-Elect of the Fort Richmond electoral division, is excited to take her seat in the legislature, saying all along, it was the people in the constituency who were at the heart of her bid.

“We started this campaign with the belief in Manitobans, with belief in people in Fort Richmond and I think the people in Fort Richmond have spoken,” said Chen.

Saying she could not have done it without the support of her volunteers or her family, Chen is one of 26 new MLAs to head to the Legislature for the first time, as unofficial results indicate the Manitoba NDP managed to secure a total of 34 seats — 16 of which held by new MLAs like Chen, who says taking concerns from the doorstep to the floor of the legislature is her goal within the NDP majority.

“That means we can really move forward, do things together, do the things we want to do and really put the peoples’ priority back to the legislature and work for people,” said Chen.

Lauren Stone, PC MLA-Elect for Midland, is also be headed to the Leg. for the first time, the new MLA saying she’s excited to meet her PC party colleagues, but also to work with the NDP government.

“There’s a lot of things we can accomplish and I have certainly seen, from being on the other side of the table advocating to government on economic development that you can work across party lines, and there’s a lot of positive things that can come from that. Certainly, we’re going to be holding the NDP to account,” said Stone.

“They made a lot of promises during this election campaign and I personally want to hold them to account for balancing the books. We’re likely headed into an economic recession, so things like that are going to be really critical, and we’ll do our job as opposition and stand up for that.”

Renee Cable, who toppled Audrey Gordon, Manitoba’s former health minister in Southdale says she’s eager to start in her new role.

“It is such a privilege to clock into job everyday that I know is going to help move life in a positive direction for people,” said Cable.

She said while she learned a lot about herself during the election, the campaign was not about her, but the people who make up this province, people she says she’s ready to serve, and she feels Manitoba is headed in the right direction.

“In a time when things are so polarized and sort of hostile, to be able to know that Manitobans chose hope and love over the other stuff is awesome.”