Heather Stefanson has been sworn in as the 24th premier of Manitoba. The swearing in took place Tuesday (Nov 2) at the Manitoba Legislative Building, accompanied by her family, friends, colleagues and community leaders.
In a news release from the Manitoba government, Stefanson said “I stand before you today as Manitoba’s 24th premier. This was something that was once unthinkable. I reflect on the many people who paved the way to make this possible and I promise that our government will embrace their values of equality, inclusivity and understanding.”
Stefanson listed her top priorities as advancing reconciliation, addressing the surgical and diagnostic backlogs, improving education, rebuilding the economy and focusing on the labour shortage. She noted the government will foster an environment of consultation and better relationships between other levels of government, including First Nations and the Manitoba Metis Federation, businesses, labour groups and other key players in the Manitoba community.
The premier pledged to create a task force to tackle surgical and diagnostic backlogs, details of which will be released in the coming weeks. The government will implement every recommendation of Dr. Lynn Stevenson’s review of long-term care, noted Stefanson.
The premier will announce the return of the legislature in the coming days, and is to meet with her caucus and cabinet Wednesday (Nov 3).
Shelly Glover, who narrowly lost to Stefanson when the leadership ballots were counted Saturday, is challenging the result. In court documents filed Tuesday, Glover argued that Stefanson’s win is invalid and that the premier’s office remains vacant. She said in an affidavit that she was given different numbers of how many votes would be counted than what was eventually provided. Stefanson won by 363 votes.
A former Conservative MP, Glover, had complained throughout the race that many party members didn’t receive their ballots in time.
