To the Manitobans here: What kinda NDP things has he done? Anything cool? Or is he just your run of the mill centre left big tent liberal?
The NDP in Manitoba are a lot less socialist than the federal NDP, Kinew’s flagship policy has been removing the provincial gas tax. His other big ones have been removing the sales tax on snack foods, a homeowner’s tax credit, small healthcare funding expansions, a subtle tax hike on the wealthy, and a new housing campaign to reduce homelessness.
I’ve appreciated the small expansions to healthcare, housing, and taxes on the wealthy, but otherwise I’ve been personally disappointed. Frankly I think the NDP are doing so well in Manitoba because they are much more conservative than in other places, and it’s what a lot of Manitoban voters want. Most people I talk to are voting for the NDP specifically because of the gax tax holiday, not any progressive value.
He’s certainly the most charming premier in Canada, and he’s fiscally responsible, aiming to have a budget surplus next year.
And a lot of the extra money has come from freezing tax brackets (rather than rising with inflation), and clawing back the basic personal amount from high earners.
That is, effectively tax hikes on the wealthy, but subtle enough that nobody got upset.
Props to him and his team on the budget!
I thought the strike breaking would hurt him more.
That’s awesome.
