THOMPSON, MB – Thompson Mayor Colleen Smook and her council colleagues congratulate the NDP and premier-designate Wab Kinew on their historic victory in the October 3 provincial election on behalf of the city’s residents.
The NDP are poised to return to the government side of the Manitoba Legislative Assembly after seven years as the Official Opposition following a campaign that ended with them capturing 34 seats, five more than needed to give them a majority in the legislature when the candidates elected October 3 are officially sworn in. The NDP had 18 seats when the 42nd Legislative Assembly was dissolved and the general election called.
Kinew, who won the NDP leadership in 2017, becomes Manitoba and Canada’s first First Nations premier with the election victory.
“Thompson, like all municipalities, works closely with the provincial government as it provides services, facilities and infrastructure to its citizens and I know that the strong relationship our city has with the province will continue with this new government,” said Smook.
“As the mayor of a largely Indigenous city in a region in which the majority of the population is Indigenous, I know that many of our residents and those in the surrounding area were overjoyed to see our province elect an Indigenous politician as premier. We are proud of our province for becoming the first in Canada to elect a party with a First Nations leader.”
The mayor also extended congratulations to Thompson MLA-elect Eric Redhead, who captured a second term with a handy victory, and to his fellow northern NDP candidates Amanda Lathlin (The Pas-Kameesak), Tom Lindsey (Flin Flon) and Ian Bushie (Keewatinook).
“Our residents have chosen you to represent their interests and we know that you will do your best to live up to their expectations,” said Smook, noting that she was encouraged that the next premier said during a post-election interview that the provincial government has a responsibility to help address chronic homelessness, not only in Winnipeg but also in Thompson and other Manitoba communities.
The mayor also invited Kinew, who has visited Thompson several times prior to and since becoming NDP leader, most recently a few weeks ago during the election campaign, to travel up to the Hub of North any time he wants, preferably sooner than later.
“Thompsonites are known for their hospitality and I can assure you that we would give a warm welcome to our next premier any time he wants to pay a visit,” Smook said. “Christmas shopping season is just around the corner and Thompson and the North always have a long wish list for the provincial government.”
Driving up from Winnipeg, the mayor suggested, is an excellent way to get a little taste of what it’s like to live in Thompson and why residents would love to have more health care services closer to home, particularly during the winter months.
Media Contact
Ian Graham
Communications Officer
City of Thompson
Tel: 204-677-7929
Email: igraham@thompson.ca
