Affordability among topics at weekend Manitoba NDP convention – Winnipeg Free Press

BRANDON — The cost of child care, food and other items is among the topics on the agenda at the NDP convention in Manitoba this weekend.

The annual meeting gives party delegates a chance to discuss policy, and one of the resolutions calls for increased funding for child care centers.

Other resolutions call for raising the minimum wage, increasing financial aid for post-secondary students and new measures to improve food security and affordability in northern communities.

Delegates are also going to hear from Prime Minister Vab Kinew.

The ruling New Democrats have completed half of their mandate after winning the 2023 elections.

Christopher Adams, an associate professor of political science at the University of Manitoba, says the NDP is in a pretty good position, ranking well in the polls and raising a lot of money.

“I would say the party is in pretty good shape and there doesn't seem to be any major conflict within the party,” Adams said in an interview.

The NDP continues to show signs of electoral strength since winning 34 of the 57 legislative seats in 2023.

Last year the party won a by-election in Winnipeg's Tuxedo constituency, which had previously always voted Progressive Conservative. In August, the NDP came close to a sweep in the Spruce Woods constituency, a largely rural Tory stronghold, but fell short by 70 votes.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 8, 2025.