WINNIPEG -- Manitoba's governing New Democrats emerged from a two-day caucus retreat Wednesday expressing confidence that they have turned a corner on a year filled with infighting, low poll numbers and a brain drain.
The 35-member caucus received more bad polling news, but also saw research showing that the party might turn things around before a provincial election slated for April 19.
"What we know is that we have a lot of work to do with Manitobans," Education Minister James Allum said. "But I also feel really confident coming out of this caucus retreat that we're focused and we know the things we need to do to communicate to Manitobans that we're on their side."
The NDP has been trailing the Opposition Progressive Conservatives since the government broke a campaign promise and raised the provincial sales tax in 2013. At last summer's retreat, caucus members were told the party could lose more than half its seats. Some of Premier Greg Selinger's most senior caucus members told him he should resign for the good of the party.
When Selinger refused to go, five senior cabinet ministers went public with their challenge to him. The premier survived the ensuing leadership vote by a 33-vote margin.
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Manitoba NDP caucus meets amid bad polls before election next spring | CTV News
The 35-member caucus received more bad polling news, but also saw research showing that the party might turn things around before a provincial election slated for April 19.
"What we know is that we have a lot of work to do with Manitobans," Education Minister James Allum said. "But I also feel really confident coming out of this caucus retreat that we're focused and we know the things we need to do to communicate to Manitobans that we're on their side."
The NDP has been trailing the Opposition Progressive Conservatives since the government broke a campaign promise and raised the provincial sales tax in 2013. At last summer's retreat, caucus members were told the party could lose more than half its seats. Some of Premier Greg Selinger's most senior caucus members told him he should resign for the good of the party.
When Selinger refused to go, five senior cabinet ministers went public with their challenge to him. The premier survived the ensuing leadership vote by a 33-vote margin.
more
Manitoba NDP caucus meets amid bad polls before election next spring | CTV News
