Flin Flonners are watching with interest after Premier Greg Selinger officially filed his nomination papers to continue leading Manitoba’s NDP government.
Selinger, who along with his caucus has barred Flin Flon MLA Clarence Pettersen from caucus meetings, will face off against challengers Theresa Oswald and Steve Ashton.
“I plan to make my first responsibility governing for the people of Manitoba,” said Selinger, as quoted by the Winnipeg Free Press. “There is a leadership contest going on. That will be the second priority in the sense that your first duty is to serve the people of Manitoba.”
Pettersen has accused Selinger of withholding unfavourable NDP poll results. He has called on the premier to resign in order to improve the party’s chances in the next election.
Barred from meetings
Pettersen was one of six NDP MLAs to publicly suggest Selinger quit. All six are no longer allowed to attend caucus meetings.
As of press time yesterday, Pettersen was unavailable to speak on Selinger’s choice to enter the leadership race.
Selinger has brushed aside suggestions he resign as premier while seeking the party leadership.
The premier told a media scrum it would set a “dangerous precedent” to step down because has been challenged.
Selinger told the scrum that positive feedback from the people of Manitoba has come through loud and clear.
“Everywhere I go Manitobans have said to me, ‘We like the fact that you’re continuing. Hang in there and do a good job for us,’” he said.
Selinger was expected to be the third and final candidate to file papers for the leadership campaign, with the deadline being yesterday.
New Democrats will choose their next leader March 8. Pettersen has endorsed Oswald.
