New book explores Manitoba’s political identity

A new book examining Manitoba’s political and social transformation, “The Keystone Province: Politics and Government in Manitoba,” will be officially launched this evening at Government House in Winnipeg.

Co-edited by Brandon University political science chair Kelly Saunders and Christopher Adams, rector of St. Paul’s College and professor of political studies at the University of Manitoba, the book brings together scholars and observers to explore how Manitoba’s unique political culture, diversity and history continue to shape its governance.

The idea for the book emerged in 2021, during the pandemic, as there were reflections on how Manitoba’s politics and society were being reshaped by unprecedented challenges, Saunders told the Sun.

“We were in the middle of COVID-19, and even though we didn’t know what the future would look like, we knew Manitoba was at a crossroads,” she said. “We thought it was an opportune time to pause and reflect on how far the province has come — politically, economically and socially — and where it might be heading.”

The co-editors were also inspired by the fact that the last comprehensive review of Manitoba’s politics was published in 2010, in a volume edited by Paul Thomas and Curtis Brown. Saunders said it was time to revisit those earlier themes and assess what had changed and what had endured.

The book explores the continuities and shifts in the province’s political life, with chapters focusing on the NDP, Progressive Conservatives and Liberals, as well as the economy, public service and Indigenous relations, she said. It includes an appendix detailing every provincial election in Manitoba’s history, illustrating long-term trends in political change and voter behaviour.

“Manitoba tends to see a change in government about every 10 years,” Saunders said. “If that pattern continues, the current NDP government under Premier Wab Kinew may be re-elected once more before voters look for change again. But the province’s political landscape continues to evolve — and diversity, especially from newcomers, will play a growing role in that evolution.”

She added that Manitoba’s multicultural makeup — strengthened in recent years by immigration from Ukraine, Africa, India and other regions — is reshaping the province’s identity and priorities. “Politics is a reflection of the people that make up the political community,” she said. “As our population becomes more diverse, our politics and public policies must adapt.”

The book’s title, “The Keystone Province,” reflects Manitoba’s geographic and symbolic position at the heart of Canada. “We really are a bridge between Western and Central Canada,” Saunders said. “We’re often seen as moderate and understated, but that stability and balance give Manitoba remarkable strength. We punch above our weight nationally and even internationally.”

Among its themes, the volume highlights Manitoba’s history of political firsts — from Louis Riel and the Métis bringing the province into Confederation to Wab Kinew’s election as Canada’s first First Nations premier.

“We have a proud record of leadership and resilience,” Saunders said. “I hope this book helps Manitobans see that our province truly has much to celebrate.”

After tonight’s launch at Government House, she said, a second event is planned for November at McNally Robinson Booksellers in Winnipeg, featuring a panel with contributing authors. Discussions are also underway for a future launch event in Brandon.

Published by University of Manitoba Press, “The Keystone Province: Politics and Government in Manitoba” is now available in bookstores and online.

» aodutola@brandonsun.com

» X: @AbiolaOdutola