Kinew names Glenn Simard as first NDP candidate for 2027

BRANDON — Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew kicked off preparations for the next provincial election, announcing Glen Simard as the first nominated candidate for the 2027 campaign.

The premier made the announcement during his afternoon address at the Keystone Centre’s MNP Hall, which was filled with party delegates during the New Democratic Party’s convention on Saturday afternoon. In noting Simard as the first nominated candidate, Kinew said the Brandon East MLA had met every target for canvassing, fundraising, and organizing, and symbolized the NDP’s message about the kind of seats it aims to secure and build from as it prepares for the 2027 election.

“We are serious about putting a strong team forward to represent Manitobans, and at that time, we were using our existing seats as a springboard,” he told reporters after the speech. “To have Glen, … is to be able to say Brandon East is going to hopefully be a springboard for other seats. The move is for our local candidates and volunteers to use as a piece of motivation to get themselves fired up.”

Simard, who represents Brandon East and serves as Minister of Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism, is a candidate who reflects the NDP’s blend of grassroots engagement and practical governance, the premier said.

“He’s smooth in the house, smooth with stakeholders, and smooth every day,” Kinew told the party delegates. “But on that Spruce Woods by-election night, he was aggressive — we’re coming for those seats. Brandon West, we’re coming. Spruce Woods, we’re coming. Look down your driveway — we’re coming.”

Simard, a former teacher at Ecole Harrison in Brandon, was first elected as the MLA for Brandon East in 2023. He said Saturday that it is an honour to continue to serve the people of Brandon East.

“This community has always supported one another, and I am proud to stand with families, workers and seniors who want a strong, thriving future for Westman,” he said. “We’re building something better — building organizers, building people who are knocking on doors and having more conversations. Every call, every extra sign, every volunteer matters.”

Simard told delegates that strong local teams and community engagement are central to building momentum for the party in the years ahead. He acknowledged that the NDP’s work in areas previously dominated by opposition parties is ongoing, pointing to the Spruce Woods by-election as an example of how dedicated effort can turn the tide.

“That Spruce Woods story isn’t over — it’s going to be the Brandon West story, and beyond. With a little more work and support, we can send them packing,” he said.

Kinew likened Simard’s determination to that of Mike Moroz, the MLA who captured River Heights — a seat long held by the Liberals — during the last general election.

“We’re hoping Glen will be the next Mike Moroz — someone who can win where people said we couldn’t and then help bring up the next generation of leaders,” Kinew said. “We’re proud to have him carrying the banner and being the tip of the spear as we head into the next general election.”

He credited him with energizing the NDP’s regional presence in southwestern Manitoba. His nomination, Kinew said, signals that the party is serious about competing in every corner of the province.

Regarding the early nomination, Kinew said it marks the beginning of a deliberate and disciplined campaign strategy aimed at keeping the NDP motivated and connected with Manitobans.

“We’re two years into a four-year mandate, and we can’t be complacent,” he said. “We can never underestimate our opposition or take our support for granted. We have to keep earning it every single day.”

Recent opinion polls suggest support for the NDP has grown since the party captured 34 of 57 legislature seats in the October 2023 election. As well, the NDP garnered more than $1.8 million in contributions and fundraising in 2024 — roughly triple the Tories’ amount.

The growing fundraising strength and steady turnout at party events reflect a healthy organization but also reinforce the need for humility, the premier said.

“We’re working hard, and it’s encouraging to see the Manitobans are willing to put their hard-earned money forward, to invest in our re-election campaign, invest in our by-election campaign,” he told reporters after the announcement. “It’s really about serving the people, and for us to be able to continue, doing that fundraising is a sign of momentum.”

Kinew told delegates that the trend has continued, with the NDP raising $625,000 in three months around a recent byelection in the Spruce Woods constituency.

Delegates at the convention were to debate dozens of resolutions over the weekend, many of which aligned with government goals such as measures to increase food security and affordability in northern communities.

One exception was a resolution that calls for a sharp increase in the minimum wage, which is currently $16 an hour.

“If you work full-time, you shouldn’t have to live in poverty, and that’s the reality for far too many Manitobans today,” Kevin Rebeck, president of the Manitoba Federation of Labour, told the meeting.

Rebeck was applauded by other delegates as he pushed for a “living wage”, which would be close to $18.75 an hour in Winnipeg.

Both Kinew and Malaya Marcelino, the labour minister, were noncommittal.

“It’s definitely a live conversation — something that our members have a lot of interest in — but there’s different viewpoints,” Marcelino said.

Manitoba’s minimum wage is currently adjusted in line with inflation. The provincial advisory committee on labour-management relations is not currently looking at any changes to the formula, Marcelino said.

» aodutola@brandonsun.com

» With files from The Canadian Press

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