Manitoba NDP reinvigorated, unified after successful annual policy convention

Manitoba New Democrats left their recent policy convention excited about the opportunity of building on the momentum of providing strong, compassionate leadership that puts people and their families first.

"We come out of this convention, united and stronger than ever," said Selinger, as he wrapped up the convention joined on stage with caucus colleagues.

More than 550 delegates attended the three-day convention, which wrapped up April 11, with a focus on health care, the environment, jobs and the economy, agriculture, public education and social justice.

A total of 47 resolutions were approved during the convention including a vigorous debate ranging on issues ranging from public sector wages to global tailpipe emission standards for automobiles.

Some highlights include:

Health: Delegates supported the province’s new fertility tax credit and called on the provincial government to move towards fully funding this treatment.

The Environment: Delegates endorsed the plan to build Manitoba Hydro’s proposed Bipole III down the west side of Lake Winnipeg and also called on the provincial government to continue working on protecting the boreal forest on the East Side of Lake Winnipeg.

Equality and Social Justice: Delegates called on the provincial government to expand the successful Neighbourhoods Alive! program to more rural communities.

Jobs and the Economy: NDP members strong urged the provincial government to make investments in key government services during the recession and not make cuts to programs.

The convention also heard the interim report of the Leadership Process Review Committee, which has been called on the party to make recommendations on how the party selects its leader in the future.

Manitoba NDP members also took time out to honor three long-time activists who have done outstanding work for the party.

Premier Selinger presented the Lucille Ono Awards to Ben and Jean Kujanpaa of Swan River. They were nominated by the Dauphin-Roblin constitutency by their strong support of the party.

Manitoba Federation of Labour President Kevin Rebeck presented the Stanley Knowles Award to Eugene Kostyra who has served in the labour movement, as a cabinet minister and as a tireless party worker.

In addition, the party’s executive was also elected. It includes:

Leader: Greg Selinger

President: Lorraine Sigurdson

Treasurer: Mike MacIver

Vice-Presidents: Ellen Olfert (Winnipeg), Zack Gross (Interlake), Darcel Lecocq (Southeast), Errol Black (Brandon/South West), Gord Landriault (North), Alex Grimaldi (Parkland).

MYND: Courtney Maddock

Status of Women: Fiona Shiells

Members At Large: Phil Graham, Bob Mayer, Matt Schaubroeck, Nirmal Singh Sidhu, Mary Johnson, Malaya Macelino, Lonnie Patterson, Sharon Sadoway, Jill Stockwell, Tannis Wheeler.

Other highlights included keynote speeches by Premier Selinger, federal NDP Leader Jack Layton, and a highly successful dinner with 550 diners.