Manitoba Minute: Byelection Results, Energy Sources, and Silica Sand Mining

Manitoba Minute - Your weekly one-minute summary of Manitoba politics.

This Week In Manitoba:

• Manitoba's new energy policy acknowledges continued reliance on oil and natural gas until cleaner energy sources are more widely available. The policy, set to be published by the NDP government, updates a previous roadmap while maintaining similar goals of integrating electricity and natural gas systems to reduce carbon emissions. While the province aims for carbon neutrality by 2050, fossil fuels still account for 73% of current energy use.
  
  
• Manitoba businesses are preparing for the first observance of Orange Shirt Day as a statutory holiday, now officially recognized for all workers in the province. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, held on September 30th, has been a federal holiday since 2021 and is intended to acknowledge the impact of residential schools. While many Manitoba businesses were already acknowledging the day, some are adjusting to the new legal requirements.
  
  
• Cabinet Minister Ian Bushie is selling his grocery business, Grandpa George's, after it was found he violated the Province's Conflict of Interest Act. The violation occurred when a $100,000 contract between the business and the provincial government was renewed, despite rules preventing MLAs from renewing contracts with the government. Although no penalties were recommended, Bushie said that selling the business demonstrates his commitment to his role as a public servant.

Last Week In Manitoba:

• Mark Wasyliw has been expelled from the Manitoba NDP caucus due to a legal colleague representing convicted sex offender Peter Nygard. Wasyliw criticized Premier Wab Kinew, calling him a "dysfunctional and toxic leader," and claimed his removal was unrelated to the Nygard case. He stated that he has no connection to the case and was expelled for being outspoken in disagreements with Kinew. Wasyliw plans to continue serving as the MLA for Fort Garry. His removal has sparked concerns among legal organizations, who argue that the decision undermines the essential role of criminal defence lawyers in the justice system.
  
  
• An Alberta-based company, Canadian Premium Sand, has secured letters of intent from the federal and provincial governments to provide up to $272 million in grants and loans for a silica sand mining and processing project. The $880-million initiative aims to mine sand at Hollow Water First Nation and produce solar panel glass at a facility in Selkirk, Manitoba. The project, expected to create 270 jobs, received a provincial environmental license earlier this year. 
  
  
• Leila Dance successfully retained the New Democratic Party's federal seat in Elmwood-Transcona, Winnipeg, by fending off Conservative challenger Colin Reynolds in a recent federal byelection. She secured 48.1% of the vote, winning by a margin of 1,158 votes, amidst a voter turnout of just over 39%. This byelection followed the resignation of longtime MP Daniel Blaikie, who had held the seat for over eight years. Despite the victory, the NDP's margin was narrower than in previous elections, suggesting some challenges for the party.