Manitoba election: Leaders spar over deficits, jobs in Brandon debate

Three of Manitoba's major political party leaders sparred over jobs and deficits in a debate hosted by the Brandon Chamber of Commerce on Thursday.

Liberal Leader Rana Bokhari, PC Leader Brian Pallister and NDP Leader Greg Selinger took part in the leaders forum, which began shortly before noon CT.

The CBC's Chris Glover was in Brandon to cover the debate. You can follow his updates in our live blog recap below:

• ON MOBILE? Follow our live blog here.

As the debate began, Selinger defended his government's record going into the April 19 election. He said his decision to run deficits longer to stimulate growth has helped the economy.

Pallister accused Selinger of hurting Manitobans by raising the provincial sales tax, running up deficits and getting a credit downgrade from a bond-rating agency.

Bokhari said she wants to balance the budget, but says there are other social concerns that have to be weighed as well.