Mark Wasyliw responds after being booted from the NDP caucus
Posted September 17, 2024 3:42 pm.
Last Updated September 17, 2024 4:05 pm.
Mark Wasyliw is calling Premier Wab Kinew toxic and dysfunctional, after a decision was made to remove him from the NDP caucus effective immediately.
“He’s not somebody that wants to work with people. He wants the spotlight and if he feels he has to share it with somebody, he finds that very threatening,” said Wasyliw.
“This is a defensive measure on his part that he is trying to get critical strong voices out of caucus so that he is not challenged or questioned on some of these poor decisions he is making.”
The party decided to remove Wasyliw after it learned his business partner is acting as the criminal defence lawyer for Peter Nygard, who was sentenced to 11 years in prison just last week.
RELATED: Manitoba NDP removes backbencher from caucus over Nygard link
“My crime that I committed is the fact that I will not allow myself to be bullied,” explained Wasyliw.
A statement from NDP Caucus Chair Mike Moyes, released Monday, says “MLA Wasyliw’s failure to demonstrate good judgement does not align with the caucus principles of mutual respect and trust, and because of this, Wasyliw can no longer continue his role in within the caucus.”
“There’s a lot of bullying that goes on at the Legislature, demeaning behaviour, treating people really disrespectfully. It’s a toxic work environment and that all comes from the leader,” said Wasyliw.
However, Premier Kinew says, “You can be affiliated with the NDP, or you can be affiliated with Peter Nygard, but you can’t do both.”
Premier Kinew told reports Tuesday, that this was the choice the caucus gave Wasyliw, and ultimately, Kinew says, he chose his law firm.
“There are a ton of court dates coming up with Peter Nygard here in Manitoba. This is going to cause concerns and issues for the team. We’d like you to make a decision between working with us or working with Peter Nygard and this MLA made his choice,” said Kinew.
“And if these are the things he is saying about me, then I just might have to take him off the Christmas card list this year.”
Wasyliw says he will remain as MLA for Fort Garry for the remainder of his term, but says he is relieved.
“My take of it, is there’s a lot of caucus members who are deeply unhappy with Wab. The problem is, they are making big salary’s, and they have families to feed, and they have to worry about that and that can keep people scared and quiet.”
Meanwhile, the PC party of Manitoba has called for an investigation into allegations of workplace bullying and harassment.
“This isn’t about politics and the fallout between Wab Kinew and Mark Wasyliw,” said Wayne Ewasko, Leader of the Official Opposition. “This is about civil servants and staff at the Legislative Assembly—protecting the respectful workplace they deserve, and ensuring that people feel safe coming forward to report any misconduct by the premier.”
The PC’s says the allegations should be taken seriously and an independent investigation should happen to “restore respect, professionalism, and trust in the premier’s office”
“Manitobans expect a leader who inspires confidence, not fear. The allegations being made are by a lawyer who understands due process and an MLA who is telling Manitobans who their premier really is behind closed doors,” said Ewasko.
“We should take his comments seriously and, as elected officials, we have a duty to report wrongdoing and to protect those who are reluctant to come forward in fear of retaliation.
