Greg Selinger - New Premier of Manitoba - NDP

by Karl Gotthardt - albertacowpoke | October 18, 2009 at 03:52 am

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Gary Doer, former Premier of Manitoba announced on August 27th that he was stepping down as Premier of Manitoba. He was appointed as the new Ambassador to the United States the following day.

When a Premier steps down in Canada it results in a leadership election within that party. The newly elected leader becomes the new Premier.

Greg Selinger, who has been Manitoba's Finance Minister since 1999, has been chosen as the new Premier of Manitoba.

Greg Selinger consolidated his win, by receiving 1317 votes, while his contender Steve Ashton received 685. Greg Selinger is 58 and represents the riding of St. Boniface, a suburb of Winnipeg.

Biography of Greg Selinger

Greg Selinger, Manitoba's finance minister since 1999, has been chosen to become the province's next premier.

Provincial NDP delegates at a convention in Winnipeg voted Saturday to select Selinger as the party's new leader, succeeding Gary Doer.

As leader of the governing party, he becomes premier.

Selinger, 58, edged fellow caucus member Steve Ashton, 53, in the vote of 2,003 delegates at the Winnipeg Convention Centre. Ashton is a longtime MLA and cabinet member.

Of the ballots cast, Selinger won 1,317 and Ashton 685. One ballot was spoiled, party officials said.

Doer announced Aug. 27 he was stepping down. The next day, he was appointed Canada’s next ambassador to the U.S.

Selinger, MLA for the riding of St. Boniface, has been finance minister since the New Democratic Party took power 10 years ago.

In a brief acceptance speech, Selinger told the packed house of NDP faithful that the party is coming out of the sometimes-fractious campaign more united than before.

"We will govern with warm hearts and cool minds," Selinger pledged.

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158

at 10:03 on October 18th, 2009

Congratulations to him.

Karl Gotthardt - albertacowpoke

at 10:10 on October 18th, 2009

Thanks:)

158

at 10:18 on October 18th, 2009

I thought the NDP was fading away.

Karl Gotthardt - albertacowpoke

at 10:32 on October 18th, 2009

The NDP has been well received in Manitoba. Gary Doer, who is about to take on duties at the Canadian Ambassador in Washington, has governed from the centre. It works for Manitobans. My sister lives in Winnipeg and is a small c conservative and has no issues with provincial politics. I think that is the reality of a federations. It speaks volumes that a conservative Prime Minister offered the ambassadorship in the U.S., probably our most important ambassador postion, has appointed Gary Doer, a New Democrat.

Manitoba borders Minnesota and North Dakota and Gary Doer is familiar with many of the issues because of continues meetings of Governors and Premiers that share a border.

158

at 10:37 on October 18th, 2009

Thanks for the additional information,

I like the Canadian political system more than the one in the US

Karl Gotthardt - albertacowpoke

at 10:49 on October 18th, 2009

158 ours system has its flaws as well. If a party forms a majority government, it has a virtual dictatorship for up to five years. The Senate is appointed by the Prime Minister and so are judges for the Supreme Court.

We have just recently started confirmation hearing for Supreme Court Judges, but that is a mere formality.

Alberta politicians have for some time now, called for a triple E Senate, Elected, Equal and Effective. This has been met with opposition, especially for those Provinces that have more Senators then all of the West put together.

Although this is one of the platforms for reform of the Conservative Party here, I suspect that the reality of costs involved make it very difficult to achieve. Present Senators would have to be grandfathered out along with appropriate cash settlements. Money talks.