The Power Players: Who Will Shape Manitoba’s Policy as Key Ministers?

Manitoba’s political landscape is rapidly transforming as Premier-Designate Wab Kinew takes the reins of leadership. In this pivotal moment, the spotlight shines on the trio of Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), individuals poised to join his inner circle. Their appointments promise to shape the province’s future and set the stage for the next four years in the administration.

As Kinew assembles his cabinet, he will focus on selecting key individuals to fill pivotal positions. Within this Inner Circle, three names we suspect will form the main core of the administration: These figures are not only destined to make their mark in the Cabinet but also hold the potential to redefine the province’s political landscape. It would be nothing short of shocking if any of these three were to be left out of the cabinet or placed in anything but high-profile positions.

Robert Loiselle (MLA for St. Boniface ): With a background in education, Loiselle is a Francophone Métis born and raised in North St. Boniface and is more than prepared to take on a prominent cabinet role. His experience as a teacher underscores his potential as a Minister of Education. Furthermore, Loiselle’s communication skills perfectly position him for the Minister Responsible for Municipal Relations role, considering the abundance of educators elected. His inclusion in the cabinet is almost a certainty, considering he defeated the leader of the Liberal Party, Dugald Lamont.

Uzoma Asagwara (MLA for Union Station): Asagwara’s extensive background in the healthcare industry makes her a compelling candidate for a significant cabinet portfolio. Having previously served as a healthcare critic, Asagwara’s knowledge of the healthcare system positions her as a natural choice for the pivotal role of Minister of Health. Her collegiate history as a university basketball player might also open doors to the position of Minister of Sports, although the former is arguably more fitting for her. It would be nothing short of astonishing if Asagwara were not entrusted with a major cabinet role, given her potential to drive transformative change in the province’s healthcare system.

Nahanni Fontaine (MLA for St. John’s): Fontaine holds multiple degrees in various sectors. Her deep understanding of government affairs and one of the most prominent faces in the party make her a candidate for a high-profile cabinet position. With her credentials, she could excel as the Speaker of the Legislature, Leader of the House, or Minister for Crown Relations, each requiring astute and diligent leadership. The prospect of Fontaine not securing a top-tier cabinet role would be surprising, given her proven capabilities and potential to bring fresh perspectives to crucial government functions.

The critical position of Justice Minister will likely go to someone with a strong legal background, given the nature of legal matters. Additionally, the Indigenous Relations portfolio, traditionally retained by the Premier, may see new leadership with the emergence of highly elected qualified Indigenous MLAs.

The key administrative positions will be Mark Rosner, previously Chief-of-Staff in the NDP Leader’s Office and Deputy Campaign Manager in the recent campaign, who is now the Chief-of-Staff in the Premier’s Office. Emily Coutts, who served as Director of Communications and Political Director in the NDP Caucus office during the recent campaign, becomes the Principal Secretary in the Premier’s Office. Rebecca Widdicombe, known for her role as Communications Officer and Director of Communications in the NDP caucus office during the campaign, takes on the position of Deputy Chief of Staff in the Premier’s Office. Mark Rosner and Brian Topp will co-chair the transition process, with Topp’s extensive experience as the campaign director for Manitoba NDP in 2023 and his previous roles with Alberta Premier Rachel Notley and Saskatchewan Premier Roy Romanow.

As the cabinet positions are filled, Manitobans will look to their new leaders to guide them through this transition and the next four years. The promise of a more united Manitoba under Premier Designate Wab Kinew’s leadership is one that many are hopeful will become a reality.