NDP take majority government in election

The Manitoba Progressive Conservative government was convincingly defeated by the Manitoba New Democratic Party in last week’s provincial election, with the NDP taking 34 seats and a strong majority. The PC’s sit in opposition with 22 seats and the Liberal Party of Manitoba retained only one seat.

RCC met with both the PC and NDP campaigns leading into the election, with all parties also responding to our Vote Retail Questionnaire. While the PCs were more aligned with our identified retail priorities, we believe there will be alignment with the NDP on some important retail sector issues.

The NDP campaigned heavily on a healthcare platform, however, we believe the new Manitoba government will continue to work with our sector on issues like retail safety and crime, retail jobs, and economic growth, as well as maintaining the current 7 per cent provincial sales tax.

Stronger advocacy will be required for other priority issues including ensuring a predictable model for minimum wage, a balanced corporate tax and education rebate scheme, lowering the punitive effects of the province’s payroll tax, and the customary review of labour and employment standards that often occurs when government’s change.

The NDP has committed to introducing a new statutory holiday by the next September 30 in 2024 in honour of Truth and Reconciliation Day, and we expect consultations to begin on this file in the coming months.

Once the cabinet is set, and key political staff are in place, RCC will be securing meetings with key decision-makers in order to provide a briefing on our priorities and positions along with other key issues outlined in mandate letters.