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Manitoba Election 2003

Following months of speculation, Manitoba NDP Premier Gary Doer called a provincial election for June 3, 2003. While the election comes only three and a half years into the government’s term, the timing is seen as a strategic move by the NDP to capitalize on the party’s current popular support.

Manitoba's three main political parties are the provincial New Democrats, Progressive Conservatives and Liberals. Stuart Murray leads the Progressive Conservative Party, while Jon Gerrard leads the Liberals.

Health care, taxes, economic policy and rural development will dominate the election. The left-of-centre NDP are promising more spending on health care and training for nurses, a continued balanced budget and debt reduction, income tax relief for middle-income earners, and a commitment to affordable living in the province. The right-of-centre Progressive Conservatives are promising private sector participation in health care and tax relief. Finally, the centralist Liberal Party is focusing on additional health care investment and programs, and a major rural development program.

Currently, Premier Doer’s NDP are holding a commanding lead in public opinion polls. The NDP have 44% support, the Progressive Conservatives 30%, and the Liberals with 21%. The NDP are also leading across voter categories, including support amongst men and women voters, urban and rural voters, high and low income voters, and voters at different education levels. The Progressive Conservatives are the most competitive amongst rural voters and affluent voters.

NDP support stems primarily from the party’s strong record on health and budget issues while in government. The party is also receiving strength from the relative weakness of the opposition parties. The Progressive Conservatives continue to be hampered by its 1995 vote-rigging scandal and the lack of a strong profile for its leader. The Liberal Party has been hurt by the fact that only its leader holds a seat in the Manitoba Legislature.

This Spotlight focuses on the 2003 Manitoba Provincial Election. Specific topics examined include:

The Manitoba Electoral System

Information on the provincial electoral system's rules and procedures, who qualifies to vote, who qualifies to be a candidate, single-member plurality system, how is an election called, how is a government formed, and rules on contributions and third party financing.

Party Leader Biographies

Background on each of the party leaders

Party Election Platforms

Summary of the campaign promises made by each party

Campaign Analysis

Recent polls and discussion of why the NDP is leading the race

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