Local MLAs have new roles with the Conservative Opposition after leader Obby Khan last week announced a shuffle of responsibilities in his shadow cabinet ahead of the fall sitting of the Manitoba Legislature.
Khan said the critics play an important role in keeping the NDP government in check.
“The changes I’ve made to the critics’ duties will continue to hold Wab Kinew and the NDP accountable for the broken promises and failures they’ve made over the first half of their mandate,” he said. “The changes build on the strengths of each PC MLA and provide them with a broader depth of knowledge in their new portfolios.”
Morden-Winkler MLA Carrie Hiebert said she looks forward to her new role as critic for advanced education and training as well as for immigration.
“I have experience with both portfolios and look forward to learning more about those important departments,” she said in a prepared statement.
“I have enjoyed my role as PC critic for housing, addictions, and homelessness and mental health for the past two years,” Hiebert added. “I learned a great deal about the addictions crisis facing the province and how it contributes to the ongoing homelessness epidemic we see all around us. I’m especially proud of the work we did to help the residents of Point Douglas force Wab Kinew and the NDP to abandon plans to build a drug injection site in Winnipeg.
“Advocating for treatment and recovery has been the priority for me in this critic role for the last two years, making sure that our loved ones can access treatment when they need it including mental health and housing supports. That is the work of an effective opposition.”
Borderland MLA Josh Guenter also provided a prepared statement on being named the new critic for labour and for innovation and new technology.
“I am deeply honoured,” he said. “After serving in recent months as the critic for public service delivery, I am excited to take on this new role.
“Labour is a huge issue in the province, currently with this NDP government trying to rig the playing field to appease union bosses rather than do what is best for Manitoba tradespeople.
“Manitoba has Canada’s highest debt to GDP ratio, yet Manitoba workers are seeing little in return for their tax dollars,” Guenter continued. “A sluggish economy and this NDP government’s failure to show leadership on issues of innovation and resource development—exemplified by their refusal to sign on to the recent landmark energy agreement between Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario—have further put Manitoba and Manitobans behind.
Guenter will also maintain his role as deputy caucus chair for the Conservative party.
“I will continue to work hard every day to serve my constituents, hold this government to account, and bring the common-sense voices and views of Borderland residents to Manitoba’s Legislature.”
Midland MLA Lauren Stone meanwhile will fill the critic role for finance and for the Manitoba Public Utilities Board. She did not return a request for comment as of press time.
