Manitoba Minute: Issue 64

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

📅 This Week In Manitoba: 📅

• Manitoba will begin construction in 2026 on a long-promised $1 billion CancerCare research and treatment centre at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg. The new facility, located beside the existing 2003-built centre, will centralize cancer care services including diagnostics, clinical trials, and patient support. The Province has committed $11.5 million for design work in the 2025 budget, with construction expected to begin in August 2026 and take about four years to complete. Originally proposed in 2011 and shelved in 2017, the project was revived as a key NDP election promise in 2023. Premier Wab Kinew confirmed the project will proceed regardless of whether Manitoba receives tobacco settlement funds. Officials say the facility will improve patient outcomes and attract top-tier medical professionals. However, healthcare unions warn that staffing shortages, particularly for specialized roles, must be addressed for the centre to function effectively. If completed on schedule, the centre could open by 2030 and become a national leader in integrated cancer care.
  
  
• Manitoba's new law imposing lifetime driving bans on repeat impaired drivers who cause bodily harm or death is expected to affect only about four people per year, based on a 19-year data analysis. The law, which replaces the previous 10-year suspension for two such convictions within a decade, has been criticized by victims’ families as insufficient. Karen Reimer, whose daughter Jordyn was killed by a drunk driver in 2022, called the measure “pretend legislation” and argued that stronger laws - like Ontario’s one-strike lifetime ban - are needed. Justice Minister Matt Wiebe defended the law as a step forward and promised further reforms this fall. The Opposition PCs supported the bill but unsuccessfully pushed for tougher penalties, including lifetime bans after a single fatality or when minors are in the vehicle. Mothers Against Drunk Driving has joined consultations, advocating for long suspensions and ignition interlock devices. Critics argue that drivers already facing lifetime bans may still choose to drive illegally. Reimer is calling for broader collaboration on future legislation, involving all parties and victim advocates.
  
  
• Premier Wab Kinew currently holds the highest approval rating among Canadian premiers at 68%, according to new data from the Angus Reid Institute. His support remains strong despite internal party tension over his backing of an energy corridor project, including a potential pipeline to Hudson Bay. Kinew’s popularity has stayed above 60% for six consecutive quarters, even as other premiers like Ontario’s Doug Ford and BC’s David Eby have seen double-digit declines. The drop in support for some leaders follows the waning of Canada-US trade tensions, shifting public focus back to issues like housing, health care, and affordability. Atlantic premiers Tim Houston and Susan Holt remain steady at 58%, while Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s approval has risen slightly to 51%.
  
  
• Despite Kinew's popularity, Chris Wiebe, former Manitoba NDP vice-president and 2023 candidate, resigned from the party citing dissatisfaction with the Premier's "top-down leadership" and what he calls unprogressive policies. Wiebe criticized the NDP for governing conservatively despite campaigning as progressives, especially pointing to the government's lack of a clear climate change plan and its openness to oil shipments via Hudson Bay, which contradicts earlier pipeline opposition. He also expressed disappointment with ongoing Progressive Conservative tax cuts and limited improvements in healthcare and education. Kinew responded by emphasizing inclusivity within the party and dismissed comparisons to previous Conservative leadership. 
  
  
• Premier Wab Kinew has warned that his government may use emergency powers to secure more hotel rooms for wildfire evacuees, as over 21,000 people have fled northern fires and many are still sleeping on cots. While thousands of hotel rooms have been opened, Kinew criticized some operators for not doing enough and urged them to step up voluntarily before the Province is forced to act. His comments followed a helicopter tour of the fire-ravaged area near Flin Flon and a visit to a shelter in Thompson. Kinew described the devastation as “like a scene out of a movie” and noted the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires. Chiefs from northern First Nations have also called on the Province to invoke emergency powers to house evacuees. Despite not receiving formal refusals, Kinew said the government has data showing more hotel capacity is available. He praised the collaborative firefighting efforts, including contributions from volunteers, First Nations crews, and even Americans. Some communities are preparing for evacuees to return, though wildfire threats persist as hotter, drier weather approaches.
  
  
• The Province is increasing annual funding for Research Manitoba by $5 million, raising the total to $19 million after pressure from the scientific community. The funding boost follows an open letter signed by dozens of scientists criticizing stagnant support since cuts made under the previous Progressive Conservative government. Oversight of the agency is also being transferred to the Ministry of Innovation and New Technology. The funding increase comes following Premier Wab Kinew’s comments about attracting US scientists frustrated by funding cuts and academic freedom issues. University of Manitoba researcher Dylan MacKay welcomed the news, saying it will help Manitoba remain competitive in the national and international research landscape. In 2023-24, Research Manitoba supported 195 researchers and 267 students across 154 organizations. Most of its funding went to health, natural sciences, and engineering, with limited support for social sciences and humanities. The new investment aims to strengthen Manitoba's research capacity and address past funding shortfalls.

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

The wildfires in our province are truly devastating.

If you have the means to donate, the Government of Canada and the Government of Manitoba will be matching donations from the Red Cross until June 27th.

The Winnipeg Free Press has also made a list of other organizations that are seeking donations.

Click below to see the list if you want to contribute:

🪙 This Week’s Sponsor: 🪙

This week's sponsor is you! We don't have big corporate backers, so if you like what you're reading, please consider making a donation or signing up as a monthly member.

Having said that, if you are a local business and are interested in being a sponsor, send us an email and we'll talk!