St. Boniface byelection set for July 17

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This article was published 18/06/2018 (2138 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A byelection will be held July 17 in the provincial constituency of St. Boniface to fill the vacancy left by former Manitoba premier Greg Selinger’s resignation earlier this year.

Premier Brian Pallister called the byelection Tuesday, ending months of speculation as to its timing.

The byelection presents an opportunity for the Liberals to achieve party status in the Manitoba legislature — four seats — and the extra funding and perks it brings.

Liberal Leader Dougald Lamont, who does not hold a seat, will represent his party in the contest.

Blandine Tona, a community activist, is trying to retain the constituency for the NDP; Mamadou Ka, who sought the seat for the Progressive Conservatives in the 2016, will represent the Tories once again; Françoise Therrien Vrignon will be the Green party candidate.

Selinger, who had represented St. Boniface since 1999, stepped down March 7. He had announced his departure the previous month, after being pressured to resign by NDP Leader Wab Kinew in the wake of multiple allegations of inappropriate touching levied against former MLA Stan Struthers.

Under Manitoba law, the government is prevented from announcing any new spending or programs during the election period. Pallister said Tuesday, however, he will answer media questions periodically throughout the byelection.

Nominations in the constituency will officially close July 3. On voting day, polls will remain open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Advance polls will be open July 7 to 14.

There are currently 39 Progressive Conservatives, 12 New Democrats, three Liberals, two independents, and one vacant seat in the Manitoba legislature.

larry.kusch@freepress.mb.ca