Despite election loss, PC MLAs back Heather Stefanson as leader until replacement found: caucus chair

Heather Stefanson has the backing of her Progressive Conservative caucus to stay on as leader until a replacement is chosen, caucus chair Ron Schuler said, despite a recent electoral defeat.

Schuler said the premier's decision to remain as party leader for 12-18 months is the stability the Tories need while they transition from government to serving as the Official Opposition. 

"Caucus is behind her, she is our leader, we support our leader and she is there until a new leader is chosen," Schuler told reporters Wednesday.

"That, by the way, takes a lot of leadership, takes a lot of courage on her part and, on behalf of caucus, we thank her for that."

Schuler was speaking after a nearly two-hour closed-doors meeting with the party's returning and new MLAs. It was the first PC caucus meeting since the election. The Progressive Conservatives lost 13 seats from the 35 it had before the election.

Of the 22 seats the PCs won, only three are located in Winnipeg, the provincial capital.

The NDP soundly won a majority government with 34 of the 57 seats in the legislature.

Schuler said he's pleased Stefanson won't leave her role immediately. 

"I think it shows a lack of leadership just to walk out on the team. She's not going to do that," he said.

Stefanson, the outgoing Manitoba premier, announced on election night she intends to resign her position as PC leader but would continue to serve as MLA for Tuxedo, a constituency she held on to with a narrow 263-vote win over the NDP's candidate, according to unofficial Elections Manitoba results.

A few days later, the party confirmed Stefanson would serve as interim party leader until her successor is chosen.

The leadership race is expected to take place in 12-18 months. 

Stefanson's continued presence as the PC's main representative may serve as a reminder of the Tories' defeat following a negative advertising campaign, but Schuler isn't worried.

"We will present a caucus that is stable, that is united, that is prepared to be the Opposition, and that's what Heather Stefanson is going to give us," she said.

"She's a great leader and she will continue to show that, not just as premier but as leader of the Opposition."

'Exciting time' to be a Tory: Goertzen

Before and after the caucus meeting, Tory MLAs presented a united front.

"Building for the future, great young MLAs," Steinbach MLA Kelvin Goertzen said as he entered the caucus room.

"It's a great exciting time to be a Progressive Conservative." 

A minute later, Stefanson approached the room with the same optimism.

"I'm looking forward to having our first caucus meeting. This is going to be great."

Ten of the Tories' 22 MLAs will be new to the provincial legislature. They include: incoming Roblin MLA Kathleen Cook, the former provincial director of the Canadian Federation of Business; Brandon West's Wayne Balcaen, the former chief of police in Manitoba's second-largest city; and new Midland MLA Lauren Stone, who ran a consulting firm.

Schuler said he's encouraged by the "great enthusiasm" his new colleagues are already showing. 

"You need renewal. You also need institutional memory, which [some of our MLAs] are providing as well."

"It is a great group of men and women that are prepared to go forward."