WINNIPEG — Manitoba NDP Premier Greg Selinger confirms that he will undertake a major shuffle of his cabinet today after five high-profile members revealed they will be stepping down.
The five include Finance Minister Jennifer Howard, Justice Minister Andrew Swan, Jobs and Economy Minister Theresa Oswald, Municipal Government Minister Stan Struthers and Health Minister Erin Selby.
The five, who intend to stay on as MLAs, say in a statement that it's becoming increasingly difficult to their jobs.
"The premier has stopped listening to our advice. This has been the case since we privately discussed, at his invitation, our concerns about his leadership. In recent weeks and months, it has become clear to us that he is increasingly being driven by his desire to hold onto his leadership rather than by the best interests of Manitobans."
They also say their decision to give up their posts is not because of any single issue or decision.
"The premier refuses to hear us not just on the leadership issue, but also on a wide range of issues in our portfolios. There are many important issues and there is much work to do. But we cannot work together on the priorities of Manitobans if we cannot be honest with the premier," they said.
A revolt erupted last week when the ministers suggested Selinger should think about his future, given the NDP's drop in opinion polls. The New Democrats have trailed the Opposition Progressive Conservatives since the government increased the provincial sales tax to eight per cent from seven last year.
The ministers later agreed to an uneasy truce, saying they would not resign, but they gave no indication they were backing down from their suggestions that the premier consider stepping down.
Selinger said last Tuesday that he would not resign and plans to lead the party into the next election expected in 2016. He also left the door open to demoting the cabinet rebels.
Selinger released a brief statement early Monday morning and referred to "direct" conversations he had with the cabinet ministers last week.
"In those conversations I made it clear: either focus on the priorities of Manitoba families as a part of our team, or resign. I am saddened by the decisions they've made. I wish to thank each for their contributions toward building a better province."
He also says that in 2011, Manitobans elected New Democrat MLAs who are representative of every region of the province, with experience in a wide variety of fields.
"I will appoint a new cabinet from this talented team."
The NDP has a solid majority with 35 of 57 legislature seats. The ministers who have questioned Selinger's leadership are not expected to vote against the government, despite their fight with the premier.
There has been no indication of when the fall session of the legislature would get underway.
