Stefanson’s chance to prove she’s right for the job

Opinion

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This article was published 25/11/2021 (1126 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

THE Progressive Conservative Party of Manitoba made history on Oct. 30 when Heather Stefanson was elected as the party’s leader and therefore assumed the role of the province’s first female premier.

The results were closer than many had expected and, unfortunately, the days following have been plagued by headlines about the selection process. But if we can look past heavily disputed claims about ballot-box chicanery, brighter days are in sight for Manitoba.

Despite claims by critics that this leadership process was set up to be a coronation for Stefanson, the past couple of months demonstrated the true power of grassroots politics. As a result of the leadership campaign, the PC Party has grown significantly in a short period of time, from roughly 5,000 members to more than 25,000.

Policy debates amongst members in communities throughout the province brought fresh ideas to a party that had gone far too long without a contested leadership race. Supporters of Stefanson’s rival, Shelly Glover, brought new perspectives to a party that was frankly growing too comfortable within the walls of the Manitoba Legislature.

Moving forward, the role for Glover and her supporters in a Stefanson-led government remains to be seen. Should Progressive Conservatives find a way to come together under the “Big Blue Tent,” however, the party will benefit heading into the next provincial election in 2023.

Stefanson will have little time to revel in her new role as first minister. The pandemic continues to demand significant attention as ICUs throughout the province are once again near full capacity. It will be critical for this new government to continue to take measured action that keeps the virus in check and the economy open.

The health system continues to be bogged down by significant surgical backlogs and historical staffing challenges made worse in the past 19-plus months. Both will need to be addressed — a point Stefanson readily acknowledged moments after being sworn in as premier.

Fortunately, Stefanson and her government will benefit in these efforts from the recent ratification of a new agreement with the Manitoba Nurses Union, which ensures any threat of labour unrest among nurses is now in the rear-view mirror. Attention can now be squarely focused on tackling these challenges.

Then there are the other health files that carry on from the Pallister-led government. I am a strong supporter of Manitoba’s much-needed health care transformation; it is critical, however, that all aspects of this plan be examined again, given the lessons learned throughout the pandemic, to determine what has worked well and what needs further triaging.

Stefanson has also voiced support for keeping the economy open. While Manitoba has the lowest unemployment rate in the country, this government must commit to continuing to do what it can to mitigate risk, while allowing businesses to serve customers and recover from the past two years.

There are also the education reforms that were scrapped under premier Kelvin Goertzen during his short but effective time in the top job.

Looking ahead toward Manitoba’s return to the polls in 2023, the single most important priority for Stefanson’s long-term political survival must be an ongoing commitment to listen to Manitobans regarding how the government is affecting them and their families.

During the leadership campaign, Stefanson criss-crossed the province, gathering first-hand perspectives about what needs to be done to improve health care, how infrastructure can be improved to ensure Manitoba’s roads are as safe as they can be and how social services can better meet the needs of Manitobans who require assistance.

It will be critical for these conversations to continue with all Manitobans — not just PC members. Stefanson and her team must also ensure the views of Manitobans from throughout the province are reflected in the government’s policies over the next two years and in a refreshed PC Party platform during the election campaign.

While the gap in recent polls between the PCs and NDP continues to shrink, failing to listen and recognize the wants and needs of Manitobans could prove catastrophic for the Tories in 2023. Stefanson seems to be acutely aware of this, which is a promising sign that she’s the right woman for the job.

Nathan Clark worked in the minister of health’s office for three years, including as special assistant to former health minister Cameron Friesen for two years. He is now a senior consultant with Enterprise Canada, a national public affairs and strategic communications firm.