Manitoba constituents react to NDP cabinet resignations

It's been just one day since five cabinet ministers resigned and already there's concern from some of their constituents about what's next for their MLAs and the future of the party.

• How Manitoba's governing NDP split open and where it goes from here

Chelsea Bohemier moved her family to Sage Creek after the NDP government promised to build a school closer to home.

"If it's not built on time we would have to ship our little guys to Windsor Park, which those schools are fine but it is quite a hike," said Bohemier.

The announcement was made by Premier Greg Selinger in 2013 alongside Southdale MLA and health minister Erin Selby.

Construction was supposed to start in 2014. The school is slated to be open in 2016, but there’s no sign of construction yet.

Bohemier now questions what Selby's resignation will mean for future projects in the Sage Creek area.

"It does worry me a little bit, whatever their personal strifes are within their government,” said Bohemier. “I hope that it can be put aside, and I hope that the priority of getting the school built will be a reality."

Bohemier said Selby also promised $58,000 for a school playground. Whether that is still part of the deal is unclear.

'Disappointed' with Swan's departure

Willie Fernandez lives in Winnipeg's West End, which is part of the Minto electoral division. Andrew Swan is his MLA. Fernandez is worried about the impact the political wrangling in the government could have in his community.

"I'm a little disappointed because he's leaving the post as cabinet," said Fernandez.

Fernandez has been a long-time supporter of Swan, who was the justice minister until he resigned Monday.

"For me personally it's not about Selinger, it's the constituents, it's about the people here,” he said. “Even though he's leaving Selinger, we're still depending on him."

Constituent considers party change

In Seine River, Renne Hunt said she isn't sure she will continue supporting MLA Theresa Oswald, who stepped down as minister of jobs and the economy.

"I might consider another party maybe,” said Hunt. “It's time for a change."

Glenn Hulkowich questioned whether recent events will end up hurting the NDP in the short term. 

"I think what they did might have backfired on them," said Hulkowich. "Obviously they wanted to resign, as it turned out they had to resign."

All five cabinet ministers who stepped down say they remain committed to their jobs as MLAs.