The Manitoba NDP caucus is in Gimli for a three-day retreat to gear up for the fall sitting of the legislature that begins Oct. 2.
In a news release Monday, the caucus said it came together “to discuss governments’ priorities, which are rebuilding health care, lowering costs and helping Manitobans raise healthy families in safer communities.”
The caucus retreat comes after a fraught week for provincial New Democrats.
It started with Fort Garry MLA Mark Wasyliw’s ouster from caucus on Sept. 16 over his association with the defence lawyer representing convicted sex offender Peter Nygard.
Wasyliw did not leave caucus quietly. On his way out, he accused Premier Wab Kinew of being a bully and running a toxic workplace. Organizations representing lawyers condemned the party’s explanation for turfing the Winnipeg lawyer from caucus, accusing the NDP of casting aspersions on their profession and the role they play in the criminal justice system.
The premier and caucus defended the decision in news conferences, explaining Wasyliw wasn’t a team player; that he refused to give up his criminal defence practice that put him in potential conflicts with his role as a full-time, government-side backbencher.
Last Thursday an ethics commissioner’s report concluded that cabinet minister Ian Bushie violated the Conflict of Interest Act. The Keewatinook MLA, who serves as minister of municipal and northern relations as well as Indigenous economic development, owns Grandpa George’s gas station and convenience store in Hollow Water First Nation.
He violated the act by renewing a contract to provide groceries and supplies to people fighting wildfires in the area and for not disclosing it in statements members are required to submit to the clerk of the legislative assembly.
Bushie apologized later in the day, promising to sell the business he’s owned since 1998.
The retreat that began Monday is “an opportunity for the caucus to reconvene and prepare to deliver for Manitobans in the upcoming fall legislative session,” a news release said.
“The team is coming together to deliver on what Manitobans elected us to do,” caucus chair Mike Moyes said in the release. “After spending the summer connecting with our constituents and having the opportunity to meet with residents of these vibrant communities, we are thrilled to be going back to the house to pass important legislation and make progress on health care and making life more affordable.”
During the retreat, the caucus said it will connect with more than 30 local organizations, farmers, First Nations leaders and elected officials throughout Interlake-Gimli, Red River North and Selkirk.
carol.sanders@freepress.mb.ca
Carol Sanders
Legislature reporter
Carol Sanders is a reporter at the Free Press legislature bureau. The former general assignment reporter and copy editor joined the paper in 1997. Read more about Carol.
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