Stefanson’s absence from 2 consecutive Manitoba PC announcements suggests close race: expert [Video]

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/election-stefanson-absence-manitoba-1.6959796

Manitoba Progressive Conservative Leader Heather Stefanson’s absence from two consecutive party campaign announcements has prompted speculation about PC tactics in the early stages of this provincial election.

So far this week, Stefanson has only appeared at one of three PC campaign announcements, all of which involved promises of tax cuts.

The PC leader spoke Tuesday at a promise to cut the basic income tax rate, but left a Wednesday promise of a land transfer tax cut to Riel candidate Rochelle Squires, and a Thursday property tax deferral announcement to Assiniboia candidate Scott Johnston.

Royce Koop, a political studies professor at the University of Manitoba, says Stefanson’s decision to defer to candidates in suburban Winnipeg constituencies is an indication this election will be decided in a handful of swing seats, mostly in Winnipeg.

“The premier is leaving some of these announcements to candidates and ministers that are running in those seats, giving them the opportunity for media coverage, giving them the opportunity to get their faces in front of the camera,” Koop said Thursday in an interview.