Manitoba MLAs officially sworn into office
Posted October 23, 2023 3:55 pm.
Last Updated October 23, 2023 6:26 pm.
Members of Manitoba’s Legislative Assembly were sworn into office today at the legislature building, following the provincial election on Oct. 3.
Thirty-four Manitoba NDP MLAs were sworn in, following their majority government win. Premier Wab Kinew fronting one of the more diverse governments in Manitoba’s history, as not only did Kinew become the first First Nations Premier in Canada, but Uzoma Asagwara became the first Black non-binary Deputy Premier in history, and both Bernadette Smith and Nahanni Fontaine are the first First Nations women to sit in cabinet.
“This is a very significant occasion, and it is a product of a lot of hard work from everyone who is going to take their oath today but also a lot of hard work from you,” said Kinew.
The NDP focused heavily during the election to keep their promise of fixing our health care system. However, Kinew said that resolving the MPI strike is his government’s top priority right now.
“We’ve publicly shared our mandate letter to the corporation and it is our hope that the strike can be resolved in a fair way that also shows the board discharging is a fiduciary responsibility to the ratepayers of Manitoba,” said Kinew.
Former Premier and now leader of the Manitoba PC party Heather Stefanson was officially sworn in for the seventh time. She’s continuing on as PC MLA of Tuxedo — she was joined by 21 other PC MLAs who were also officially being sworn into office.
“We are already working to hold Wab Kinew and this new government to account and with all the promises they have made sure, as His Majesty’s Official Opposition will hold them to account,” said Stefanson.
The party, which held power since 2016, is now looking for a leader, as Stefanson announced she would not serve that role going forward. Obby Khan is a possibility to fill that vacant seat.
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“Right now, my priority is my son and the people of Fort Whyte,” said Khan.
The PCs heavily campaigned on the issue of parental rights throughout the election. Khan was front and centre of that conversation and says he will continue to fight for that.
“I believe what we stood by in the ad that we did and that parents have a right to know, and parents have a right to be at the table.”