Table of Contents
Political signs signal the start of election season
As the federal election campaign kicks off in Winnipeg, political signs are popping up across the city, marking the beginning of a crucial period for candidates and voters alike. Liberal Leader Mark Carney officially called the election on March 23, giving Canadians a month to prepare for the polls on April 28.
With 14 federal ridings in Manitoba, eight of which are located in Winnipeg, the stakes are high as recent redistributions mean many voters will be casting ballots in new areas this year.
Close races expected in key ridings
According to Curtis Brown from Probe Research, several ridings are expected to be highly competitive.
“Three months ago, we would have been discussing which seats the Liberals might retain,” Brown noted. “Now, we’re looking at potentially tight races between the Liberals and Conservatives, the Conservatives and the NDP, or even the Liberals and the NDP.” One such battleground is Winnipeg West, a riding that has seen significant shifts in representation.
Doug Eyolfson previously held the seat for the Liberals until Conservative Marty Morantz won it in the 2021 federal election by a narrow margin of just 460 votes.
Voter concerns center on trade and economics
As the election approaches, many Winnipeggers are voicing their concerns about the ongoing trade war with the United States.
Voter Kim Ewert from Winnipeg South Centre expressed that her focus is on finding a candidate who can effectively handle relations with Trump, rather than solely considering their policies for Canada. “To be honest, you can’t think about anything except the tariffs,” added Richard Schram, a resident of Winnipeg West, who remains undecided about his vote.
Even international students like Shrey Talati are weighing in, emphasizing the need for a candidate with a strong grasp of economics. “We definitely need someone who knows economics,” he stated.
Implications for the rural ridings
Brown predicts that the Conservatives will likely maintain their hold on the five rural southern Manitoba ridings.
However, the announcement by Conservative MP Larry Maguire from Brandon-Souris that he will not seek re-election due to health issues may introduce some uncertainty. Despite this, Brown believes the seat will remain stable. As the election draws near, the dynamics in Winnipeg and its surrounding areas will be crucial in determining the outcome of this federal election, with voters keenly aware of the implications of their choices.
