Premier Wab Kinew has emphasized the significance of his administration’s decision to implement a gas tax holiday in Manitoba as a pivotal move in the province’s history. The NDP government, under Kinew’s leadership, suspended the 14 cents per litre gas tax for a full year in 2024, resulting in a revenue loss of $340 million for the province.
At the federal NDP convention in Winnipeg, former NDP MLA Marianne Cerilli raised questions about Manitoba’s gas tax holiday during a post-convention discussion. Kinew responded by asserting that the tax reprieve in 2024 was unparalleled in Manitoba’s history, highlighting its empowerment of the middle class and low-income individuals.
In contrast, Manitoba’s Progressive Conservatives criticized Kinew’s remarks, suggesting they were disconnected from reality. Deputy PC leader Jeff Bereza argued that granting women the right to vote, pioneered by the Tobias Norris Liberal government in 1916, was the most significant political decision in Manitoba’s history. Additionally, Bereza highlighted the construction of the Red River Floodway, initiated under Duff Roblin’s Progressive Conservative government in 1962, as a crucial project that safeguarded Winnipeg from substantial financial losses.
Political scientist Christopher Adams from the University of Manitoba offered his perspective on the matter, considering the expansion of Manitoba’s boundaries in 1912, led by Conservative Premier Rodmond Roblin, as the most pivotal provincial government action. Adams also noted that despite a kickback scandal associated with the project, the construction of the Manitoba Legislative Building during the Rodmond Roblin government was a significant achievement.
Adams suggested that Kinew’s emphasis on the gas tax holiday might have been influenced by the moment, as it represented a populist move by his government. He speculated that upon reflection, Kinew might acknowledge other significant historical achievements in Manitoba. Despite declining further interviews, Kinew’s office affirmed his stance on the importance of the gas tax holiday.
Overall, the discussion surrounding Manitoba’s historical milestones highlights differing perspectives on governmental achievements and their impact on the province’s development.