Manitoba constituents react to NDP cabinet resignations - Action News
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Manitoba

Manitoba constituents react to NDP cabinet resignations

It's been just one day since five cabinet ministers resigned and already there's concern from some of their constituents about what's next for their MLAs and the future of the party.

Manitobans concerned after 5 New Democratic Party MLAs left their posts Monday

Manitoba constituents react to NDP cabinet resignations

10 years ago
Duration 2:00
It's been just one day since five cabinet ministers resigned and already there's concern from some of their constituents about what's next for their MLAs and the future of the party.

It's been just one day since five cabinet ministers resignedand already there's concern from some of their constituents about what's next for their MLAs and the future of the party.

Chelsea Bohemier moved her family to Sage Creek after the NDP government promised to build a school closer to home.

"If it's not built on time we would have to ship our little guys to Windsor Park, which those schools are fine but it is quite a hike," said Bohemier.
Andrew Swan (from left), Theresa Oswald, Jennifer Howard, Erin Selby, and Stan Struthers, resigned their cabinet positions last fall after they made public their concerns about Premier Greg Selinger's leadership. A number of political staffers supported Oswald in her bid to win the party's leadership, while others supported Steve Ashton, who was not one of the rebel cabinet ministers. (Chris Glover/CBC)
Chelsea Bohemier is concerned the resignation of five MLAs may throw a wrench in ongoing plans to build a new school in Sage Creek, where she plans to enrol her kids. (CBC)

The announcement was made by Premier Greg Selinger in 2013 alongside Southdale MLA and health minister Erin Selby.

Construction was supposed to start in 2014. The school is slated to be open in 2016, but theres no sign of construction yet.

Bohemier now questions what Selby's resignation will mean for future projects in the Sage Creek area.

"It does worry me a little bit, whatever their personal strifes are within their government, said Bohemier. I hope that it can be put aside, and I hope that the priority of getting the school built will be a reality."

Bohemier said Selby also promised $58,000 for a school playground. Whether that is still part of the deal is unclear.

'Disappointed' with Swan's departure

Willie Fernandez lives in Winnipeg's West End, which is part of the Mintoelectoral division. Andrew Swan is his MLA. Fernandez isworried about the impact the political wrangling in the government could have in his community.

"I'm a little disappointed because he's leaving the post as cabinet," said Fernandez.

Fernandez has been a long-time supporter ofSwan, who wasthe justice minister until he resigned Monday.

"For me personally it's not about Selinger, it's the constituents, it's about the people here, he said. Even though he's leaving Selinger, we're still depending on him."

Constituent considers party change

In Seine River, Renne Hunt said she isn't sure she will continue supporting MLA Theresa Oswald, who stepped down as minister of jobs and the economy.

"I might consider another party maybe, said Hunt. It's time for a change."

Glenn Hulkowichquestioned whether recent eventswill end up hurting the NDP in the short term.

"I think what they did might have backfired on them," saidHulkowich. "Obviously they wanted to resign, as it turned out they had to resign."

All fivecabinet ministers who stepped down say they remain committed to their jobs as MLAs.