Kinew, Stefanson talk about transition of power after Manitoba NDP's election win
Heather Stefanson offered advice on 'making time for family' in closed-door meet: premier-designate Wab Kinew
After a bruising election campaign, Manitoba's premier-designate, Wab Kinew, and current Premier Heather Stefanson shook hands before a civil conversation about the transition of power.
On Thursday morning, Stefanson, the outgoing leader of the Progressive Conservatives, welcomed NDP Leader Wab Kinew into the office he'll soon occupy for a meeting that's customary when a new political party is elected to form government.
News cameras captured the handshake and, as the two political party leaders took their seats, an exchange of pleasantries.
Kinew immediately extended his appreciation to Stefanson, as he did in his Tuesday night victory speech.
"I did thank you publicly, but I would like to thank you personally for your service to our province and country. And you've made history as the first woman premier, so that means a lot," said Kinew, who will also make history as the first First Nations premier of not only Manitoba, but of any Canadian province.
"Congratulations to you, too, and I mentioned that as well," Stefanson said, referring to her own election night address.
"It's very exciting. Very exciting for our province."
Kinew seeks health-care advice
When Kinew asked for advice, Stefanson said that would be included in a letter she'll write, "which is also tradition," she said.
"Our priority is always health care," Kinew said. "So any insight that you have on health care, we'd be more than willing to hear that out and see what you have to say."
Stefanson agreed.
The two then held a brief meeting — lasting only eight minutes — behind closed doors.
Afterwards, Kinew said the two discussed the transition of power and shared some personal reflections on leading political parties.
"She shared some advice about making time for family and ensuring that you can maintain that as you step into the role of being premier," Kinew said.
He was tight-lipped about some of the other formalities necessary as his party takes office in Manitoba following Tuesday night's win.
As of Thursday afternoon, unofficial results show the NDP with 34 seats, and the Progressive Conservatives with 22. The Liberals hold the remaining seat.
Kinew said his party is working toward a date on a swearing-in ceremony in the coming weeks, but the details haven't been finalized.
Details about his party's cabinet will be revealed around the same time, Kinew said. On Wednesday, he said his cabinet would be smaller than the 18-member inner circle Stefanson most recently led.
The incoming premier also said his party is gaining "greater clarity" into some of the initiatives it has promised.
For example, he believes he needs legislation in order to temporarily reduce the gas tax, which was one of his campaign promises.
"That's why we're looking ahead to the transition, to how we're going to be able to deliver this bottom line," he said.
While Kinew, as leader of the Official Opposition, regularly criticized Stefanson's approach to health care, he said Thursday she still has advice to share because she, as premier, is privy to information he wouldn't have known.
"Of course, any insight that they're willing to share, I'll take seriously," Kinew said.
Earlier on Thursday, Kinew took part in the grand entry at the Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre's Circle of Knowledge and Practices Conference.
He was also asked to share a song as part of the drum circle.
Stefanson didn't speak to media after the meeting.
Ahead of the closed-door meeting, when asked for her thoughts on her party's campaign, she responded that "now is not the time."
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