Manitoba PCs ready to fight NDP's agenda as election nears, premier says during AGM

Progressive Conservative leader Heather Stefanson warned supporters at the party's annual general meeting on Saturday that the "Wab way" would be an NDP government which would hike Manitoba's provincial sales tax — a claim she did not back up with evidence.

With the next provincial election looming in October, Stefanson launched a blistering attack of the Wab Kinew-led NDP at the PC annual general meeting at Winnipeg's RBC Convention Centre on Saturday.

During the premier's address, Stefanson alleged the NDP would be soft on crime and legalize illicit drugs if elected in the fall, but did not offer any proof. She also claimed to hear the NDP is looking to hike the provincial sales tax (PST) to 10 per cent.

"Can you believe that? Could you imagine what will happen to our province if that goes through?" Stefanson told more than 200 delegates.

When asked to provide evidence while speaking with reporters, Stefanson didn't offer an answer, but said the last NDP government raised the PST, from seven to eight per cent, despite previously saying it wouldn't.

"We've seen them do it before and I guarantee they'll do it again."

The PCs "will say anything to trick Manitobans," the NDP said in response.

"Every time Heather Stefanson gets in front of PC donors, she lies. First, it was that she has never cut health-care, now this. Manitobans don't believe her," a spokesperson said in an email.

Public anger over the PST hike contributed to the NDP's electoral defeat in 2016. The Tories returned the provincial sales tax to seven per cent when they were elected. 

Stefanson's address signalled what looks to be a feisty election campaign as the governing Progressive Conservatives try to win back support. Opinion polls suggest the NDP has been in the lead for two years, but the gap is shrinking, according to the latest Probe Research poll. 

The premier was on the attack throughout her address, warning of "dire prospects" if Manitoba elects the NDP this fall.

Stefanson accused Kinew of supporting decisions of the federal Liberal/NDP coalition such as the carbon tax and a bail system that she says has become too lenient.

The premier also alleged the NDP would defund the police, something the party has denied.

In recent months, the Tories have taken a more aggressive stance in their messaging. The party unveiled its campaign slogan this weekend, which is "Fighting for Manitobans."