Close X
Monday, October 7, 2024
ADVT 
National

Despite caucus revolt, Manitoba's NDP government survives non-confidence vote

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 02 Dec, 2014 10:27 AM

    WINNIPEG — Manitoba's troubled NDP government survived a non-confidence motion in the legislature Monday, despite divisions within caucus.

    None of the six NDP members who have challenged Premier Greg Selinger's leadership voted with the Opposition Tories to bring down the government.

    Tory Leader Brian Pallister said he was disappointed.

    "The reality of the situation is clear. They're dissidents not wanting to make a difference — dissidents wanting to complain but willing to prop up the government and to do what they can to remain in their seats."

    Selinger did not stop to talk to reporters after the vote. As he walked briskly from the chamber to his office, he said the result means he can focus on governing.

    "I think it allows us to move forward on the throne speech and address the priorities of Manitobans. Thank you."

    Selinger has faced public anger and low polling numbers since raising the provincial sales tax last year to eight per cent from seven. In October, five of his top cabinet ministers openly questioned his leadership and said he should consider resigning. They later stepped down from cabinet and now sit as backbenchers.

    Another NDP member, Clarence Petterson, also called on Selinger to quit. Selinger has also had run-ins with Christine Melnick, who was temporarily booted from caucus earlier this year after contradicting him about who was to blame for an immigration debate that was criticized by the provincial ombudsman.

    Despite their differences with the premier, Melnick, Petterson and the five former cabinet ministers all voted against the Tory non-confidence motion, which was defeated 34-20. The former ministers have said their issue is with the premier, not with the NDP.

    "The voters of Fort Rouge elected me as a New Democrat and I plan to honour their choice," former finance minister Jennifer Howard wrote in a message Monday night. "Many that I have heard from — while they may hold different views on the leadership question — believe that we have achieved progress for their families and want that to continue.

    "As I have said before, I won't be taking lessons on ethics from Mr. Pallister. The Throne Speech lays out a program that I support."

    NDP officials are organizing a leadership contest for the party's annual convention in March, and one of the ministers who resigned, Theresa Oswald, is considering running against Selinger. The NDP council will meet this weekend to hammer out the rules for the leadership contest. Selinger has said he will stay on as premier until the convention.

    It remains unclear how much support Selinger has within his own caucus. A source told The Canadian Press last month Selinger was openly challenged at a caucus retreat in September, and only half the caucus stood by him.

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Ottawa to punish resource firms that break social-responsibility rules abroad

    Ottawa to punish resource firms that break social-responsibility rules abroad
    OTTAWA — The federal government is planning to punish bad behaviour by Canadian resource firms operating abroad if they break Ottawa's new rules on corporate social responsibility.

    Ottawa to punish resource firms that break social-responsibility rules abroad

    Harper in Australia for G20 summit as Russia flexes military muscles

    Harper in Australia for G20 summit as Russia flexes military muscles
    BRISBANE, Australia — Stephen Harper has arrived in Australia for a G20 summit expected to be overshadowed by Russian aggression.

    Harper in Australia for G20 summit as Russia flexes military muscles

    Harper says he doesn't support war on Mideast countries, only ISIL

    Harper says he doesn't support war on Mideast countries, only ISIL
    AUCKLAND, New Zealand — On the eve of a G20 summit in Australia expected to focus in part on the crisis in Syria and Iraq, Stephen Harper says Canada does not support war on the Syrian government or any Middle East nation — only war against the Islamic State.

    Harper says he doesn't support war on Mideast countries, only ISIL

    Another psychiatrist tells Magnotta murder trial accused was in psychotic state

    Another psychiatrist tells Magnotta murder trial accused was in psychotic state
    MONTREAL — Another forensic psychiatrist who analyzed Luka Rocco Magnotta says he came to the conclusion he was suffering a schizophrenia-linked psychotic episode when he killed and dismembered Jun Lin.

    Another psychiatrist tells Magnotta murder trial accused was in psychotic state

    Timeline of key events at Quebec's Charbonneau Commission

    Timeline of key events at Quebec's Charbonneau Commission
    MONTREAL — Justice France Charbonneau gave her closing statement on Friday at the commission that looked into corruption in Quebec's construction industry. The inquiry tackled illegal political party financing, collusion among engineering contracts, and organized crime's tentacles in the industry.

    Timeline of key events at Quebec's Charbonneau Commission

    Father of victim in child porn case satisfied with conditional discharge

    Father of victim in child porn case satisfied with conditional discharge
    HALIFAX — A young man who pleaded guilty to making child pornography after he took a picture of an intoxicated teenager having sex at a party was given a conditional discharge and a sharp reprimand by the judge for destroying the girl's life.

    Father of victim in child porn case satisfied with conditional discharge