MANITOBA lawmakers unanimously endorsed a motion to confirm the next election will take place Oct. 3, 2023.
The non-binding proposal brought forward by NDP house leader Nahanni Fontaine — which states that the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba call on government to follow The Elections Act and confirm the election will happen on Oct. 3 next year — received consent from the Tory government.
Under legislation, an election must be held on or before Oct. 3, 2023.
MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES The non-binding proposal brought forward by NDP house leader Nahanni Fontaine received consent from the Tory government.
“Just a few weeks ago, the premier refused to answer the question of if she would respect the fixed election date,” Fontaine said in a statement. “Manitobans deserve a government that keeps their word.”
After the vote, government house leader Kelvin Goertzen said the PCs are “committed to following the rules.”
Barring unforeseen circumstances or emergencies, Goertzen said the expected election date is Oct. 3, 2023.
“I look forward to seeing you all there,” he said.
Recently when asked, Premier Heather Stefanson said the election would be held on or before Oct. 3, fanning speculation of an early writ drop, possibly following a spring budget.
Goertzen said the law allows for an early election if the house dissolves or there is a crisis. Asked whether the Tories’ support of the motion is a commitment that an early election will not take place unless there is an exceptional, emergency circumstance, he said “yes.”
