Close X
Tuesday, November 26, 2024
ADVT 
National

Assailed Manitoba premier determined to fight to the end to keep NDP leadership

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 18 Dec, 2014 11:40 AM

    WINNIPEG — Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger says he will fight to the end to keep his job despite record-low poll numbers, opponents within his own ranks and the loss of some key advisers.

    Selinger, who is essentially having to reapply to be NDP leader after a caucus revolt, said he does not want to leave.

    "I received a mandate from the people of Manitoba to serve their priorities, and that's your objective, is to be here every day to do that and to make sure that we accomplish what we set out to do," Selinger said in a year-end interview this week with The Canadian Press.

    "We're getting good results with a strong economy, with a growing population. Let's keep the ball rolling in the right direction, and the way to do that is to have continuity in government."

    Selinger has been on the defensive since October when five of his most senior cabinet ministers and a few other party members suggested that he consider quitting in light of low poll numbers and continued public anger over last year's increase in the provincial sales tax.

    The ministers resigned from cabinet to sit on the backbenches and one, Theresa Oswald, has all but confirmed she is running to replace Selinger. Oswald said this week she is talking to people and gauging support for a potential campaign.

    Selinger has challenged his critics to run against him at the NDP's annual convention March 8 under a little-used section of the party's constitution that allows for a leadership contest at any convention.

    Party officials have laid out ground rules for the race that include a $2,000 entry fee, filling out an application and getting 50 signatures of support.

    Being premier doesn't exclude Selinger from the requirements and he said he will file nomination papers before the Jan. 6 deadline.

    A candidate needs only one vote more than 50 per cent to win. Selinger would not say whether such a narrow margin would be enough for him to feel he could continue.

    "I don't want to speculate, but (50 per cent) is the rules, and we'll be following the rules."

    The leadership challenge has put a strain on Selinger's government. He parted ways with his chief of staff, Liam Martin, soon after the controversy erupted. Another adviser, Anna Rothney, has taken a leave of absence in part to work on Oswald's expected leadership run, the Winnipeg Free Press reported Thursday.

    Selinger let all government staff know last week that they are free to work, outside of office hours, for any leadership candidate without fear of retribution. That means some of his own staff could volunteer for a competitor's campaign.

    "We believe everybody should be able to exercise their civil rights as citizens to participate in an electoral leadership contest ... and they will be respected," he said.

    The leadership squabble has also led to a further drop in opinion polls. A survey by Angus Reid released earlier this week suggested 17 per cent of Manitobans approve of Selinger's performance as premier. That's down from 30 per cent in September and the lowest rating of any premier in the country.

    It's unclear how much support remains within the NDP for Selinger. One political analyst suggests the dismal poll numbers may convince even Selinger supporters that a change in leadership is necessary if the NDP is to have a chance of winning the next election slated for April 2016.

    "The momentum is all going in the wrong direction for him at this time," said Paul Thomas, professor emeritus of political science at the University of Manitoba.

    Still, Thomas said, Selinger is likely to feel he has to fight his rivals, especially after he scored convincing victories in the last leadership race and provincial election.

    "You have to just think, from a distance, that it's pride and perhaps stubbornness. And he's probably thought about it and said, 'Well, two-thirds of the (leadership race) delegates in 2009, a record majority (government) in 2011, and this is the kind of treatment I get?

    "'I'm not going to walk away from this. I'm going to stand my ground and make these people fight for it.'"

    Selinger said he wants to achieve some of the goals he has set, including more education and apprenticeship programs and completion of planned hydroelectric projects.

    "We have an expression that the worst day in government is better than the best day in opposition because you can do things to make a difference."

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Woman pleads guilty to spiriting away sheep from quarantined Ontario farm

    Woman pleads guilty to spiriting away sheep from quarantined Ontario farm
    PETERBOROUGH, Ont. — One of four people charged in the disappearance of 31 rare sheep east of Toronto has been convicted of transporting an animal under quarantine.

    Woman pleads guilty to spiriting away sheep from quarantined Ontario farm

    Harper urged to award Memorial Cross to mom of 'one-penny' soldier

    Harper urged to award Memorial Cross to mom of 'one-penny' soldier
    TORONTO — The mother of a Canadian soldier who was sent a one-penny government cheque after her son killed himself following a tour of duty in Afghanistan deserves a Memorial Cross, supporters say in a new petition.

    Harper urged to award Memorial Cross to mom of 'one-penny' soldier

    Lapsed funds mean good financial management, Treasury Board President says

    Lapsed funds mean good financial management, Treasury Board President says
    OTTAWA — Billions in federal funding left unspent each year is a sign of good financial management, says the minister who controls the government's purse strings.

    Lapsed funds mean good financial management, Treasury Board President says

    Quebec premier says he's not interested in exploiting shale gas deposits

    Quebec premier says he's not interested in exploiting shale gas deposits
    MONTREAL — Premier Philippe Couillard has ruled out exploiting Quebec's shale gas reserves — at least for now.

    Quebec premier says he's not interested in exploiting shale gas deposits

    Quebec man who threw acid in then-girlfriend's face gets 57-month sentence

    Quebec man who threw acid in then-girlfriend's face gets 57-month sentence
    LONGUEUIL, Que. — A woman who had acid tossed into her face by an ex-boyfriend in 2012 appeared disappointed with the sentence he received on Tuesday.

    Quebec man who threw acid in then-girlfriend's face gets 57-month sentence

    Bacteria confirmed in turkey served at New Brunswick community dinner

    Bacteria confirmed in turkey served at New Brunswick community dinner
    FREDERICTON — An investigation has concluded that two types of bacteria were found in turkey that was served at a New Brunswick community dinner where about 30 people became sick and an 87-year-old woman later died.

    Bacteria confirmed in turkey served at New Brunswick community dinner