Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew wants word ban lifted in legislature
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WINNIPEG – A rift appeared between Manitoba’s governing New Democrats and legislature Speaker Tom Lindsey on Thursday over his recent move to ban certain words in the chamber.
Premier Wab Kinew told CBC he has asked Lindsey to reverse his decision to forbid politicians from using words including racist, homophobe and bigot against other members.
Some words, including liar and crook, are already banned as unparliamentary language.
Lindsey instituted the rule Monday, saying it would bring Manitoba in line with other provinces and help improve behaviour in the chamber, which has frequently descended in recent months into shouting and insult-hurling.
Kinew said at the time that he would continue to call out comments from the Opposition Progressive Conservatives that he sees as racist or targeting certain groups.
Kinew didn’t say what might happen if the Speaker doesn’t back down.
The Speaker’s office said Thursday that Lindsey wouldn’t be commenting on the matter.
Deputy premier Uzoma Asagwara was asked whether they support Lindsey continuing as Speaker but didn’t say yes or no.
“I support our premier’s leadership in making very clear to Manitobans everywhere that no matter who you are … that you are in a province where you belong,” Asagwara told reporters.
“I fully support the premier’s request.”
Lindsey was elected as a New Democrat but serves in the non-partisan role to referee proceedings.
The Opposition Progressive Conservatives said they support his word ban.
“It sounds like the premier has lost confidence in his own Speaker,” said Tory finance critic Lauren Stone.
The NDP’s accusations of racism include a comment last month by Tory member Wayne Ewasko, who, amid loud heckling in the chamber, suggested Kinew had been drinking.
Kinew, who doesn’t drink alcohol, said Ewasko’s words played on an ugly stereotype about First Nations people.
Ewasko said his words were not racist but a reflection on Kinew’s behaviour during question period.
A political observer said a Speaker can’t be voted out of the job under parliamentary tradition but could feel pressure to step down in some cases.
“It is difficult for a Speaker … criticized by either the governing or the opposition party to play a leadership in the legislature, such as bringing the party leaders (together) in the hope of mediating a procedural deadlock or looking for ways to lower the temperature,” said Paul Thomas, a professor emeritus of political science at the University of Manitoba.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 7, 2026.