2017 Manitoba New Democratic Party leadership election explained

Party:	New Democratic Party of Manitoba
Year:	2017
Date:	September 16, 2017
Location:	RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg
Replaces:	Greg Selinger
Winner:	Wab Kinew
Ballots:	1
Numcands:	2
Entryfee:	$5,000
Spendcap:	$75,000

The New Democratic Party of Manitoba leadership election of 2017 was called as a result of the resignation of Manitoba NDP leader Greg Selinger following his government's defeat in the April 19, 2016, Manitoba general election.

Rules

The rules and format of the leadership election were decided by the party in March 2017 where no major changes to the status quo were approved. The party decided in favour of holding a traditional delegated leadership convention rather than a one member, one vote election. In the 2015 race, labour unions had been allotted 31 per cent of delegate slots.^{[1] [2] [3] [4]}

Timeline

• April 19, 2016 — General election. Greg Selinger's NDP government is defeated; Selinger announces his intention to resign as party leader.^[5]
• May 7, 2016 — Flor Marcelino (Logan) is named interim leader of the NDP and Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba.
• September 21, 2016 — Kevin Chief, a former senior minister in Selinger's cabinet who was widely seen as his likely successor, announces he will not be a candidate for the leadership. He subsequently announced his resignation as an MLA, effective January 9, 2017.^{[6] [7]}
• June 12, 2016 — NDP Provincial Council decides that the leadership election will be held by October 2017.^[2]
• December 11, 2016 — NDP Provincial Council decides that the election be held in mid-September 2017 and recommends a series of rule changes such as a leadership review process, that one of two systems be used for electing the leader: The first would allow every party member to vote, with a minimum number of votes guaranteed to smaller constituencies and unions. The second would use a delegate system that would include more flexibility and representation for unions. Recommendations are to be voted upon at the annual NDP convention in March.^[8]
• March 17–19, 2017 — NDP annual convention to meet at the Indian & Metis Friendship Centre in Winnipeg. The convention decided to have a traditional delegated leadership convention rather than have a One Member One Vote election.^[9]
• April 10, 2017 — Wab Kinew declares his candidacy.^[10]
• June 18, 2017, 4:30 PM — Deadline to become a new member or renew membership of the party and be able to vote for delegates to the convention, or be a delegate.^[11]
• June 28, 2017 — Steve Ashton declares his candidacy.^[12]
• July 15, 2017 — Nomination deadline
• July 18, 2017, 7 PM — Leadership forum at Riverbank Discovery Centre in Brandon^[11]
• July 20, 2017, 7:30 PM — Leadership forum at Gimli Recreation Centre in Gimli^[11]
• July 24, 2017, 7 PM — Leadership forum at Vale Community Centre Gymnasium in Thompson^[11]
• July 26, 2017, 7 PM — Leadership forum at Richardson College for the Environment and Science Complex, University of Winnipeg^[11]
• July 31, 2017 — Deadline to apply to stand to be a delegate.^[11]
• August 8, 2017, 9:30 AM — Online voting to elect delegates begins.^[13]
• August 21, 2017, 4:30 PM — Online voting to elect delegates ends.^[13]
• September 16, 2017 — Leadership election to be held.^[14] Call to order at noon (Central Time), voting begins at 1:40 PM.^[15] Wab Kinew declared elected at 3:28 PM.

Candidates

Steve Ashton

See main article: Steve Ashton. Steve Ashton,^[16] aged at the time, launched his campaign on June 28, 2017.

Pledges made by Ashton included:

• reinvesting in community hospitals
• rebuilding the Manitoba NDP in rural Manitoba
• raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour in the first year of an NDP mandate
• lowering university tuition fees

BackgroundFormer MLA for Thompson (1981–2016), Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation and Minister responsible for Emergency Measures (2015–2016), Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation (2009–2014), Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs (2006–2009), Minister of Water Stewardship (2003–2006), Minister of Labour and Immigration (2003), Minister of Conservation (2002–2003), Minister of Transportation and Government Services (2001–2002), Minister of Highways and Government Services (1999–2001). Runner-up in the 2009 leadership election and third place candidate in the 2015 leadership election.^{[17] [12]} Father of federal NDP MP Niki Ashton.

Supporters

• MLAs (5): Flor Marcelino (Wellington, 2007–2011, and Logan, 2011–2019), interim party leader (2016—2017); Ted Marcelino (Tyndall Park, 2011–2019);^[18] Jim Maloway (Elmwood, 1986–2008 and 2011–present, and MP for Elmwood—Transcona 2008–2011)^[12] Amanda Lathlin (The Pas, 2015–present), Tom Lindsey (Flin Flon, 2016–present)
• Municipal politicians: Winnipeg City Councillor Jason Schreyer^[12]

Wab Kinew

See main article: Wab Kinew. Wab Kinew,^[19] aged at the time, launched his campaign on April 10, 2017.^[20]

Pledges made by Kinew included:

• increasing minimum wage to $15 an hour incrementally by 2024^[21]
• targeting an NDP Caucus of 50% women, transgender, and non-binary-gender people. (Kinew would name an advisory council to assist in reaching this goal.)^[22]
• implementing universal pharmacare^[23]
• investing more in recreation and active living facilities^[24]

BackgroundIncumbent MLA for Fort Rouge since 2016, former broadcaster, musician, author, and professor.

Supporters

• MLAs (5): James Allum (Fort Garry-Riverview, 2011–2019); Nahanni Fontaine (St. Johns, 2016–present); Bernadette Smith (Point Douglas, 2017–present);^[25] Andrew Swan (Minto, 2004–2019); Matt Wiebe (Concordia, 2010–present)^[26]
• MPs (1): Daniel Blaikie (Elmwood—Transcona, 2015–present)^[27]
• Municipal politicians (3): Lonnie Patterson, Brandon Town Councillor;^[27] Arlene Reid, Winnipeg School Division Trustee;^[27] Sherri Rollins, Chair of the Winnipeg School Division Board of Trustees^[27]
• Former MLAs (8): Nancy Allan (St. Vital, 1999-2016);^[27] Becky Barrett (Inkster/Wellington, 1990–2003);^[27] Eugene Kostyra (Seven Oaks, 1981–1988);^[27] Ron Lemieux (Dawson Trail/La Verendrye, 1999–2016);^[27] Jim Rondeau (Assiniboia, 1999–2016);^[27] Tim Sale (Fort Rouge/Crescentwood, 1995–2007);^[27] Harry Schellenberg (Rossmere, 1993–1995, 1999–2007);^[27] Vic Schroeder (Rossmere, 1979–1988);^[27] Muriel Smith (Osborne, 1981–1988; and Deputy Premier, 1981–1988)^[27]
• Former MPs (3): Bill Blaikie (Elmwood—Transcona, 1979–2008);^[27] Pat Martin (Winnipeg Centre, 1997–2015);^[27] Judy Wasylycia-Leis (Winnipeg North/Winnipeg North Centre, 1997–2010; MLA St. John's, 1986–1993)^[28]
• Other prominent individuals (4): Gord Delbridge, Regional Vice-President - Manitoba, Canadian Union of Public Employees;^[27] Stephen Lewis, former United Nations Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa (2001–2006), Canadian Ambassador to the United Nations (1984–1988), and leader of the Ontario NDP (1970–1978);^[29] Michelle McHale, withdrawn leadership contestant;^[27] Jagmeet Singh, Ontario MPP for Bramalea—Gore—Malton and 2017 federal NDP leadership candidate^[30]
• Trade Unions and other organizations (4): Manitoba Federation of Labour;^[31] Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1505;^[32] Canadian Union of Public Employees - Manitoba;^[32] International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 2085^[32]

Michelle McHale

Michelle McHale launched her campaign on March 10, 2017,^[33] but subsequently ended it on April 22.^[34] She would thereafter endorse Wab Kinew.

BackgroundMichelle McHale is a staff representative for the United Food and Commercial Workers union and social activist. She gained national prominence for organizing a pride parade in Steinbach, a conservative town in the province's Bible Belt.^[35]

Declined

• James Allum, MLA for Fort Garry-Riverview (2011–2019), former Minister of Justice and Attorney General (2014–2016).^[36] Endorsed Kinew.^[37]
• Niki Ashton, MP for Churchill/Churchill—Keewatinook Aski (2008–present). Placed seventh in the 2012 federal NDP leadership race. Candidate in the 2017 federal NDP leadership race.^[38]
• Rebecca Blaikie, former president of the New Democratic Party of Canada (2011–2016)^[4]
• Kevin Chief, MLA for Point Douglas (2011–2016), Minister of Jobs and the Economy (2014–2016), Minister of Children and Youth Opportunities (2012–2014)^[39] announced in September 2016 that he will not be a candidate and then announced in December 2016 that he is resigning his seat in the legislature.^[40]
• Nahanni Fontaine, MLA for St. Johns (2016–present)^[35] Endorsed Kinew.^[41]
• Brian Mayes, Winnipeg City Councillor (2011–present) and a member of the city's executive committee, was considered a possible candidate but announced that he intends to remain at city hall.^[42]
• Theresa Oswald, runner-up in 2015 leadership election, former MLA for Seine River (2003–2016), Minister of Jobs and the Economy (2013–2014), Minister of Health (2006–2013), Minister of Healthy Living (2004–2006).^{[43] [14]}
• Andrew Swan, MLA for Minto (2004–2019), former cabinet minister under Doer and Selinger.^[17] Said in April 2017 that he was considering a run but later endorsed Kinew.^[44]
• Matt Wiebe, MLA for Concordia (2010–present);^[43] Endorsed Kinew.^[26]

Results

Candidate	Votes	%
Wab Kinew	728	74.3
Steve Ashton	253	25.7
Total Valid Votes	981	100.00

Notes and References

1. Web site: NDP spar over leadership rules at convention. Winnipeg Sun. 25 August 2017.
2. Web site: Manitoba NDP plan to have new leader by October 2017. Winnipegsun.com. 25 August 2017.
3. Web site: Manitoba NDP plan to have new leader by October 2017. Cbc.ca. 25 August 2017.
4. Web site: NDP's dragging heels hampers future leadership. Winnipegfreepress.com. January 3, 2017 . 25 August 2017.
5. Web site: Selinger resigns as NDP leader after big loss to PCs. Cbc.ca. 25 August 2017.
6. Web site: Kevin Chief opts out of Manitoba NDP leadership race. Winnipeg Sun. 25 August 2017.
7. Web site: Chief makes it official: Point Douglas NDP MLA files resignation papers. Cbc.ca. 25 August 2017.
8. Web site: Manitoba NDP eye new leadership rules. Winnipeg Sun. 25 August 2017.
9. Web site: Manitoba NDP reject push to allow every member a vote on party leadership - Philippine Canadian Inquirer. Canadianenquirer.net. March 19, 2017 . 25 August 2017.
10. Web site: Running for love: Wab Kinew launches bid to lead Manitoba NDP . 25 August 2017 . Cbc.ca.
11. Web site: Leadership 2017 - Manitoba NDP. todaysndp.ca. 25 August 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170825144249/http://todaysndp.ca/leadership-2017. 25 August 2017. dead.
12. Web site: Steve Ashton jumps into Manitoba NDP leadership race. Cbc.ca. 25 August 2017.
13. Web site: Leadership 2017: Frequently Asked Questions - Manitoba NDP. todaysndp.ca. 25 August 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170825145448/http://todaysndp.ca/leadership-faq. 25 August 2017. dead.
14. Web site: McHale abandons Manitoba NDP leadership bid; cites health concerns Manitoba News Winnipeg Sun . 2017-04-23 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20170424174534/http://m.winnipegsun.com/2017/04/22/mchale-abandons-manitoba-ndp-leadership-bid-cites-health-concerns . 2017-04-24 .
15. http://todaysndp.ca/sites/default/files/leadership_convention_agenda.pdf{{Dead link|date=June 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
16. Campaign website: https://web.archive.org/web/20180203183206/https://steveashtonndp.ca/
17. Web site: Greg Selinger target of blame for NDP defeat in Manitoba. Steve. Lambert. 20 April 2016. Ctvnews.ca. 25 August 2017.
18. Web site: Third time's a charm? Steve Ashton seeks once more to become Manitoba NDP leader. Ian. Graham. Thompsoncitizen.net. June 28, 2017 . 25 August 2017.
19. Campaign website: https://www.wabkinew.ca/
20. Web site: Wab Kinew making it official: set to announce run for leadership of beleaguered NDP . 25 August 2017 . Cbc.ca.
21. Web site: Kinew promises $15 minimum wage by 2024 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20170825144117/https://www.wabkinew.ca/news-release/kinew-promises-15-minimum-wage-by-2024/ . 25 August 2017 . 25 August 2017 . Wabkinew.ca.
22. Web site: Kinew Commits to Target of Gender Balance in Caucus: New Advisory Group to Develop Plan, Recruit and Mentor Candidates . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20170825144103/https://www.wabkinew.ca/news-release/kinew-commits-to-target-of-gender-balance-in-caucus-new-advisory-group-to-develop-plan-recruit-and-mentor-candidates/ . 25 August 2017 . 25 August 2017 . Wabkinew.ca.
23. Web site: Kinew Backs Call For Universal Pharmacare . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20170825145615/https://www.wabkinew.ca/news-release/kinew-backs-call-for-universal-pharmacare/ . 25 August 2017 . 25 August 2017 . Wabkinew.ca.
24. Web site: Kinew Pledges Support for Investing in Recreation, Active Living Facilities . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20170825144906/https://www.wabkinew.ca/news-release/kinew-pledges-support-for-investing-in-recreation-active-living-facilities/ . 25 August 2017 . 25 August 2017 . Wabkinew.ca.
25. Web site: Kinew Selling Tons Of Memberships - MyToba.ca News. 20 June 2017. Mytoba.ca. 25 August 2017.
26. Web site: Wab Kinew endorsed by fellow MLA. Cbc.ca. 25 August 2017.
27. Web site: Endorsements. Wabkinew.ca. 25 August 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170816004227/https://www.wabkinew.ca/endorsements/. 16 August 2017. dead.
28. Web site: More Manitoba MPs Come Out for Kinew. Wabkinew.ca. 25 August 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170822223030/https://www.wabkinew.ca/news-release/more-manitoba-mps-come-out-for-kinew/. 22 August 2017. dead.
29. Web site: Stephen Lewis Endorses Kinew. Wabkinew.ca. 25 August 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170816012653/https://www.wabkinew.ca/news-release/stephen-lewis-endorses-kinew/. 16 August 2017. dead.
30. WabKinew . Wab Kinew . 860613866564100096 . May 5, 2017 . Proud to have the support of brother @theJagmeetSingh on my leadership campaign. Great day charting new directions for New Democrats #vibes .
31. Web site: MFL's Unanimous Endorsement Shows Labour Uniting Behind Kinew. Wabkinew.ca. 25 August 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170825150357/https://www.wabkinew.ca/news-release/mfls-unanimous-endorsement-shows-labour-uniting-behind-kinew/. 25 August 2017. dead.
32. Web site: Unions Representing Over 28,000 Members Endorse Kinew Momentum builds with support from ATU, CUPE, IBEW. Wabkinew.ca. 25 August 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170825145042/https://www.wabkinew.ca/news-release/unions-representing-over-28000-members-endorse-kinew-momentum-builds-with-support-from-atu-cupe-ibew/. 25 August 2017. dead.
33. Web site: Michelle McHale launches Manitoba NDP leadership bid . 25 August 2017 . Globalnews.ca.
34. Web site: Michelle McHale quits Manitoba NDP leadership race . 25 August 2017 . Cbc.ca.
35. Web site: Pride organizer considering Manitoba NDP leadership bid. Cbc.ca. 25 August 2017.
36. Web site: Selinger emerges from last cabinet meeting as premier of NDP government. Cbc.ca. 25 August 2017.
37. Web site: Winnipeg MLA Allum Endorses Wab Kinew. MyToba.ca. 9 June 2017. 25 August 2017.
38. Web site: MP Ashton mulls another bid for federal NDP leadership. Winnipegfreepress.com. April 26, 2016 . 25 August 2017.
39. Web site: 'Heart-breaking night': Future of Manitoba NDP unclear after loss to PCs. Cbc.ca. 25 August 2017.
40. Web site: Kevin Chief won't run for NDP leadership. Winnipegfreepress.com. September 21, 2016 . 25 August 2017.
41. Web site: Former justice minister backs Wab Kinew's bid for helm of Manitoba NDP. Steve. Lambert. 7 June 2017. Winnipeg.ctvnews.ca. 25 August 2017.
42. Web site: Mayes won't seek NDP leadership. Winnipegfreepress.com. January 17, 2017 . 25 August 2017.
43. Web site: Ashton or Kinew? Poll points to 2 NDP leadership frontrunners. Winnipeg Sun. 25 August 2017.
44. Web site: Andrew Swan endorses Wab Kinew for Manitoba NDP leader. Cbc.ca. 25 August 2017.