KLEIN: Kinew’s actions show us he thinks guilt by association is acceptable

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The recent decision by Manitoba NDP leader Wab Kinew to remove Mark Wasyliw from the NDP caucus due to his business partner’s decision to defend Peter Nygard in court is a deeply troubling example of political hypocrisy and a dangerous erosion of democratic principles.

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This decision reveals a government more concerned with public appearance than with upholding the fundamental rights and values of our legal system.

Every person in Canada, no matter the accusations against them, is legally entitled to a defence in court. This is a cornerstone of our justice system, ensuring that every individual, regardless of their circumstances, is given a fair trial.

Denying an accused their right to representation would not only undermine the integrity of our courts but would also cause unnecessary delays and heightened stress for victims. Without an attorney, proceedings could be bogged down in procedural errors, appeals, and rescheduled hearings, ultimately harming the very people we seek to protect. This is why our system, by design, ensures that even the most reviled individuals have access to competent legal counsel.

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Yet, the NDP’s decision to punish Wasyliw for a choice made by his business partner directly contradicts these principles. This is not about endorsing Nygard or his actions — it’s about respecting the process and upholding the rights afforded to all under Canadian law. By removing Wasyliw, Kinew and his caucus have sent a clear and dangerous message: guilt by association is acceptable, and due process can be disregarded when it suits political optics.

This disturbing action is not only hypocritical but also a blatant act of public posturing by Kinew, who seems more concerned with appearing morally superior than with maintaining the ethical standards of democracy. As a leader, Kinew should understand the implications of his actions — especially considering his own past. A convicted criminal himself, Kinew benefited from the very rights he now seems to dismiss. It is not the role of elected officials to decide who is worthy of legal defence, that issue is settled and it’s everyone. To fire Wasyliw under these circumstances is to undermine the very foundations of our justice system and to betray the democratic principles we hold dear.

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This situation hits close to home for me. I, too, was vilified by members of the NDP caucus for having worked briefly for a Nygard company, an association that many Winnipeggers have shared over the years. For many, working with Nygard was simply a job, a way to provide for their families. Yet, in the eyes of the NDP, this association was enough to warrant public scorn that had negative impacts on my family. This is not justice, it is political theatre.

We are taught that individuals are not guilty by association. This principle is central to a functioning democracy, where everyone is judged based on their actions, not the actions of those around them. However, it seems that Kinew and his government live by a different set of rules. They are quick to condemn others for their associations while ignoring the glaring contradictions in their own actions. If Kinew truly believes in accountability and fairness, he should reflect on his own history before casting judgment on others.

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In this instance, Wasyliw is being punished not for his own decisions, but for the professional obligations of his business partner — a decision Wasyliw had no control over. It is a startling and disturbing precedent for a government to set, suggesting that personal and professional associations are enough to cost someone their career, regardless of their actions or intentions.

Mark Wasyliw, in an interview with the Winnipeg Sun, criticized Premier Wab Kinew, describing him as a leader who struggles with dissent.

“Wab is a fragile, insecure leader who can’t stand being challenged or questioned. This is his way to get rid of me and anyone who dares to stand up to his bullying,” Wasyliw said. He also claimed that the NDP government is facing significant staff turnover, attributing it to what he described as a toxic environment under Kinew’s leadership.

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When asked about his future plans, Wasyliw expressed his intention to continue serving his constituents.

“I believe politics in Manitoba is broken, and I plan to serve the people of Fort Garry while challenging the poor decisions made by the Kinew government,” he said.

Politics is broken in Manitoba the removal of Wasyliw from the NDP caucus is not about upholding principles of respect and trust, as Kinew claims. It is about politics and optics. It is about the uncomfortable reality of representing a convicted sex offender, which, while politically unpalatable, is still a necessary function of our justice system. Kinew’s decision reflects a growing trend in politics today: prioritizing public perception over doing what is right.

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This is a dangerous path for any government, particularly one that purports to champion justice, fairness, and democracy. The actions against Wasyliw are not just an injustice to him — they are an affront to every Manitoban who believes in the principles of our legal system. We must hold our leaders to account and remind them that in a true democracy, appearances should never trump the law.

— Kevin Klein is a former Tory cabinet minister, a former city councillor and President & CEO of Klein Group Ltd.

Have thoughts on what’s going on in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada or across the world? Send us a letter to the editor at wpgsun.letters@kleinmedia.ca

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