Manitoba byelection for former premier Stefanson’s vacant seat could be close race

The Manitoba legislature seat occupied by former premier Heather Stefanson has only been vacant for a few days, but interest is already growing among potential replacements.

Stefanson resigned from the Tuxedo seat in West Winnipeg on Monday, putting an end to a 23-year political career that included just over two years as Progressive Conservative party leader.

Four people have already expressed an interest in running to be the Tory candidate in a byelection that, under provincial law, must be held within six months, the party’s president said.

“And we are looking at a date for a nomination … and obviously that date could be expedited should the government and the premier decide to call a byelection earlier than later,” Brent Pooles said.

One of the potential candidates willing to talk publicly Tuesday was Shannon Martin, who served nine years in the legislature until 2023. Martin said he was out knocking on doors in the Tuxedo area this week.

“I began literally last night,” Martin said.

The Tuxedo seat has historically been a stronghold of the Progressive Conservatives, but in last year’s provincial election, the NDP came within 300 votes of taking the seat as the New Democrats swept to power. The results were so close in Tuxedo, Stefanson was not declared a winner until two days after the election.

Premier Wab Kinew noted the closeness of that race on Tuesday.

“I definitely wish I would have gone canvassing in Tuxedo,” he said.

Kinew did not say when he will call the byelection to replace Stefanson.

“We definitely are going to call the election sometime within the six-month period and make sure (Tuxedo residents) do get an active representative within the next half a year.”

A spokesperson for New Democratic Party headquarters was unable to say how many people have so far expressed an interest in running for the party.