NDP makes history, wins Tuxedo for first time

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This article was published 19/06/2024 (654 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

WINNIPEG — Manitoba’s New Democrat orange wave crashed into Winnipeg’s Tuxedo neighbourhood Tuesday night.

Political rookie Carla Compton will be the first non-Progressive Conservative MLA to represent the constituency since its inception in 1981. The seat has been held by two former premiers, Gary Filmon and Heather Stefanson, whose resignation May 6 put it in play.

“We did it,” said an emotional Compton at Original Joe’s restaurant late Tuesday, site of the party’s celebrations, which was filled with jubilant supporters who toasted the historic win.

Compton, a registered nurse, beat Tory Lawrence Pinsky, a lawyer, by more than 600 votes in the byelection.

“I do not take this opportunity lightly, this is bigger than me,” the MLA-elect said. “This is the result of everyone who worked hard for this moment.”

Premier Wab Kinew, who was out campaigning earlier in the day, soaked up the victory.

“(Tuxedo) elected a wonderful person who has a ton of emotional intelligence and a real commitment to health care… We’re going to continue earning the support of people in this region and right across the entire province,” Kinew declared.

With the win, the party has raised its seat count in the legislature to 35. The Tories have 20 and the Liberals have just one seat.

Kinew attributed the win to Compton, and not voter dissatisfaction with the Tory party.

“She put the people of Tuxedo first, she showed up to be a real representative,” Kinew said. “Humble victory, humble defeat.”

The win confirms the NDP continues to enjoy a honeymoon with voters following its defeat of the Tories in the Oct. 3, 2023 election.

A June 14 Probe research poll showed a strong support for the New Democrats across Winnipeg, with 51 per cent of decided and leaning Manitoba voters would vote for Premier Kinew and the NDP if an election were held today.

Compton, who doesn’t live in the constituency, ran in Tuxedo in the 2019 election, which Stefanson won by a large margin.

After dropping the byelection writ on May 20, the Tories nominated political newcomer Pinsky, who made headlines several times throughout the campaign.

Pinsky and his wife were named in a recent lawsuit that alleges the pair stiffed a local Interlake business for non-payment of more than $6,000 for a fireplace and chimney installation.

In early June, Tuxedo residents received automated voice messages from Pinsky alleging there is “undeniable evidence” some NDP MLAs and ministers support “extremism,” referring to comments made by two NDP MLAs about the war in Gaza.

The NDP came close to taking Tuxedo last October, but Stefanson held on by a margin of 268 votes over NDP candidate Larissa Ashdown.

During the 2023 election campaign, Stefanson was widely criticized for using anti-LGBTTQ+ and anti-Indigenous messaging in her reelection efforts.

One longtime Tuxedo resident, who didn’t want to be named, said issues surrounding crime throughout the city were his primary concern, followed by the economy and health care.

“This time, for the first time in a long time, it’s an open election between parties,” the voter said outside the Shaftesbury High School polling station Tuesday morning.

Liberal candidate Jamie Pfau, a foster parent advocate, came in third while Green party candidate Janine Gibson placed fourth.

» Winnipeg Free Press