Contrasts Emerge in Manitoba’s Opposition Tory Leadership Race
The race for the Manitoba Progressive Conservative leadership heats up as candidates present differing visions for the party’s future
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Obby Khan, Wally Daudrich, Progressive Conservatives
WINNIPEG: The race for the Manitoba Progressive Conservative leadership is heating up. With just three months to go, the two main candidates are laying out their visions to revive the party after its recent defeat.
Obby Khan, a former football player and cabinet minister from Winnipeg, is positioning himself as the candidate with experience. He wants to unite urban and rural members under a “big tent” approach. His seat in Fort Whyte is one of the few the Tories still hold in Winnipeg.
On the other hand, Wally Daudrich, a long-time party member from Churchill, is promising a more conservative direction. He believes the party has strayed too far and needs to return to its roots.
Khan has some big-name endorsements, which usually makes him the front-runner. But, as one political analyst pointed out, anything can happen in this race since every member gets a vote.
There’s a lot of talk about whether the more conservative, rural faction of the party will step up and challenge Khan. The last leadership race saw unexpected results, with a surge of new members shaking things up.
Daudrich’s platform is reminiscent of some U.S. Republicans. He wants to cut government size and eliminate the provincial fuel tax. He identifies as pro-life but says grassroots members should decide on issues like abortion.
He’s also made some controversial statements about deporting people who don’t respect Canadian laws, which he clarified was aimed at hate speech and threats of violence.
Khan, meanwhile, has faced backlash for his stance on parental rights in schools, which some critics say threatens transgender rights. He insists he’s reaching out to all party members and is committed to uniting the party.
So far, the race has been relatively calm, with only a few jabs exchanged. Daudrich claims to be the only true conservative, while Khan emphasizes his inclusive approach.
Party members will vote by mail and drop-off ballots, with results announced on April 26. This time, a point system will be used to ensure that no single constituency can dominate the vote.
The leadership contest kicked off last July, giving candidates ample time to connect with members across the province. It’s a chance for them to engage with communities they might not otherwise reach.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 12, 2025.