NDP’s new cabinet might be most diverse in history of Manitoba

The NDPs coming to power in Manitoba has been hard fought, with several close races across the province, but later this week the newly elected Premier Designate Wab Kinew will announce the group of people he’s trusting to make up his cabinet in what he claims will be a government “for all Manitobans.”

Political scientist Christopher Adams says the upcoming swearing-in ceremony will feature firsts for the province, as it will be hosted outside the Legislature and will, as the government indicated in the release, be a “colourful and tradition-filled ceremony that honours the seven Indigenous nations in Manitoba.” 

“I think we’ll see an incredibly diverse cabinet, more diverse than we’ve ever seen in Manitoba,” said Adams. 

“It will be a significant departure from what we’ve seen over the past century in Manitoba.”

He says Kinew will likely be assembling an executive council based on expertise, representation, and geography, but says with little information flowing — even amongst political junkies — it’s all just an educated guess. 

St Norbert City Councillor Markus Chambers says he’s ready to work with the new MLAs taking their seats in his ward, and stressed when it comes to the municipal relations ministry he says NDP’s shadow minister, Lisa Naylor has done a good job in the role.

He suspects that would carry on if she is appointed minister, but notes there are other NDP MLAs, like former Mossey River Reeve Ron Kostyshn, elected in Dauphin, who understand the issues facing Manitoba communities. 

“We’re going to have to build relationships and work on common interests and the priorities of both the civic government and provincial government,” said Chambers. 

Chambers notes there are a few MLAs who could be tapped for Justice Minister, as while Matt Wiebe has the shadow role, both Mark Wasyliw and Tracy Schmidt, are lawyers, saying he wants to see collaboration with the new appointment to fulfill some PC promises.

“There was a commitment from the last government to increase foot patrol officers in the downtown area, commitments of more cameras, more lighting — all of those things that help to create not just the perception of safety — but the reality of safety — I think that’s what we’re looking for in a new justice Minister,” said Chambers.

Feeling hopeful about the new government, Darlene Jackson, president of the Manitoba Nurses Union, says she’d be happy to see health critic Uzoma Asagwara, step into the role of Health Minister, as it hasn’t been too long since the MLA was working as a nurse, but says whoever takes on the job, has work ahead. 

“This is a big ship we have to turn around,” said Jackson. 

”We’re not going to make the changes we need to make overnight, but we can make a plan, and we can start working towards an end goal as soon as the new minister of health is in place.” 

The swearing-in ceremony of the new NDP government will take place at the Leaf in Assiniboine Park on Wednesday.