A Liberal MLA has come out in support of NDP leader Wab Kinew.

Judy Klassen, who represents the Kewatinook riding, has asked that the Pallister Government be banned from bringing up Kinew’s run-ins with the law.

The northern MLA said that by requesting that MLA’s be banned from bringing up his brushes with the law, she is “trying to build her people up”.

She added that it serves no end to continually bring up past transgressions, and that it does nothing other than tear people down. She said that bringing up his past perpetuates a stereotype of Indigenous people.

Kinew was convicted of impaired driving and assault over ten years ago, and has since been pardoned.

His past actions have been brought up countless times since becoming the leader of the opposition last year, in what many see as a pre-emptive smear campaign as the government prepares for the next provincial election.

PC MLA’s did not discuss the issue following Klassen’s request, saying that there is a rule that forbids them from talking publicly about issues that are under consideration by the speaker.

Photo courtesy of Thompson Citizen.