Manitoba Progressive Conservative leader Obby Khan was in Portage la Prairie Tuesday morning for a breakfast fundraiser and networking event alongside local MLA Jeff Bereza.
The event gave residents a chance to meet Khan face-to-face, ask questions, and share their thoughts on key provincial issues.
Khan says the visit is part of his ongoing efforts to connect with Manitobans across the province.
“I love coming out to Portage,” notes Khan. “He invited me out as a leader to meet some constituents, have a great conversation, listen to them, hear their concerns and take their concerns forward.”
New leadership, new tone
Khan, who became party leader in April 2025, describes the experience as both humbling and exciting.
“It’s going awesome. I'm having a ton of fun,” says Khan. “It's the greatest honour of my life for being the leader of the Progressive Conservative Party.”
He continues, “It’s going to shock people, but greater than even playing for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, because this is where people actually voted for me, put their name down on a piece of paper, signed a piece of paper, put an X beside my name.”
Focus on rebuilding and reconnecting
Khan says his approach as leader is rooted in teamwork, listening, and acknowledging the party’s past mistakes.
“I think my approach is very different from lots of aspects,” remarks Khan. “Number one is, I come from a very strong team background, playing for the Blue Bombers obviously, really bringing everyone on board in one vision.”
He adds, “That vision of a new era of the PC Party, it really means one of recognizing the mistakes we've made in the past. Apologizing for those and moving forward with humility.”
Affordability a key concern
Khan says affordability remains one of the top concerns he hears from Manitobans, both rural and urban.
“Affordability and rising costs, it's at an all-time high right now under this NDP,” says Khan. “The NDP campaigned and promised they were going to make life more affordable, it's higher.”
He adds, “The plan that I have going forward is to listen to Manitobans, understand where they're feeling that pinch, make life more affordable by reducing these taxes.”
Campaign-style tour continues
With summer events, festivals, and parades ahead, Khan says he plans to continue visiting communities across Manitoba in preparation for the next election.
“It's day at a time, getting people back on board and winning this province together,” he says.
Before leaving Portage, Khan shares his appreciation for the local hospitality.
“I just wanted to say I love coming out to Portage la Prairie. It’s always a great visit out here and it’s really a nice hometown feel here,” remarks Khan. “It’s just really welcoming. It’s an honour to come here.”