PCs File Complaint Against NDP with Commissioner of Elections
Media Release - August 22, 2025
Progressive Conservatives filed a complaint with Manitoba’s Commissioner of Elections today against Premier Wab Kinew and the NDP for their illegal actions, after making a new government promise during the Spruce Woods byelection blackout period.
“This is a clear violation of Section 92 of the Elections Financing Act,” said Obby Khan, Leader of the PC Party of Manitoba and Leader of the Official Opposition. “Governing parties are prohibited from making new promises during an election campaign because that gives them an unfair advantage with voters.”
“But once again, Wab Kinew thinks he can operate above the law. The premier’s making new highway infrastructure announcements just days before election day to influence voters. This is a clear violation of the elections act.”
The complaint stems from a social media post made by the premier on August 21st.
Standing on a section of Highway 2 in the Spruce Woods constituency, the premier says, “And now we’re announcing also that stretch form Souris to Deleau is gonna get fixed thanks to our candidate Ray Berthelette.”
He goes on to say, “So on August 26th when you choose the road ahead here in Spruce Woods, please lend Ray your vote.”
“This premier and the NDP have spent over $300 million to buy votes in Spruce Woods,” said Khan. “Now, practically on the eve of election day, they’re resorting to breaking the law. The NDP will do anything and say anything to win, whether it’s illegal or unethical. This premier thinks he can operate above the law.
“The video is specifically directed at voters in Spruce Woods and the premier specifically says, ‘We are announcing also.’ So this is a new spending commitment by the governing NDP, just days ahead of election day.”
The complaint comes just four days before the Spruce Woods byelection