Are you ready for a groundbreaking revelation that will transform the way we approach elections in Manitoba? In this pivotal blog post, we are excited to share our Manitoba Election Eureka Moment. Manitoba Stronger Together, we will uncover the path to ensuring proper representation in the legislature come October 3, 2023. This is not just another post; it is an essential read to grasp the dynamics of the last election and the truth behind how votes were cast. Buckle up for shocking facts and figures that will shed light on how the phoney parties have manipulated us for far too long. This time, we refuse to be fooled.
Most Voters Do Not Realize These Important Facts
Everything we are about to share with you, is available from the Elections Manitoba website, you can click the hyperlink in this text to see if for yourself!
First, for those of you who are new to this, a few definitions:
PC = Progressive Conservative Party
NDP = New Democratic Party
LIB = Liberal Party
Seat = Refers to a "seat" in the Manitoba Legislative Assembly, the seats are taken by the elected representatives. There are 57 seats in the legislature and each seat represents a "riding"
MLA = Member of the Legislative Assembly (your elected representative) Click here for a list of MLA's
Riding = Electoral District, the province is divided into 57 electoral districts. In theory each electoral district has a similar number of eligible voters in it, right now each district has an average of 15,345 voters. Each district is represented by an "MLA" and each elected MLA holds a "seat" in the Legislature. Click Here to Find out what "riding" you are in.
Are you ready, buckle up!!
Here are some basic Statistics taken from the Elections Manitoba Website:
So as you can see from the above image captured from the Elections Manitoba website:
This data is from the last Manitoba General Provincial Election in 2019
There are a total of 57 seats available in the Manitoba Legislature
That of course means there are 57 "Ridings" or "Electoral Districts" in the Provincial Election
You can see that only 3 parties won seats in the legislature, despite their being 7 parties on the ballot.
The Liberals Hold: 3 Seats
The NDP Hold: 18 Seats
The PC Hold: 36 Seats
So, right now, the PC (Progressive Conservatives) hold the majority of seats, so they formed the last government. Please understand that in order to have a "majority" government the PC's had to have more seats than all of the other parties combined. If they do not have more seats than all of the other parties combined, it is possible for the other parties to "join forces" and constitute the majority.
Only 55.04% of eligible voters voted!
Here Comes the Really Important Part!
Now of these 57 total elected members.
Do you know how many won by a margin of less than 1,000 votes????
Below is a summary of the votes cast where the winner won by less than 1,000 votes
The First Column is the Riding; the Second Column is the current Representative, and the last column is the Margin of Victory
The Answer is 15.
So 15 of these elected members got elected by a margin of less than 1,000 votes
7 of the 15 were PC
8 of the 15 were NDP
The Tenuous Balance of Power
So the current PC Party in the Manitoba Legislature holds 36 Seats
The Liberals and the NDP Together hold 3 + 18 = 21 Seats
So the PC have a majority of 36 - 21 = 15 seats!
Now included in that 15 seat PC majority, 7 of the members were elected with a majority of less than 1,000 votes.
Take a look at the first row, in the table above, it is for the riding of McPhillips, represented by Martin Shannon, he won by only 101 votes!!!!!
Keep in mind that that riding has a total of around 15,643 eligible voters, and only 8,940 of those eligible voters voted.
So in each riding, on average there are approximately 7,000 voters who do not vote!
So, of the 57 total seats, these 15 seats were elected with less than a 1,000 vote margin!
Do you see where I am going here?
There is More, How Many More MLA's Were Elected with between a 1,000 and 2,000 vote majority?
Now Do you know how many seats were decided by a margin of between 1,000 to 2,000 votes?
Would you believe another 14 seats!
8 of the 14 are NDP,
2 of the 14 are LIB,
4 of the 14 are PC.
Below is a summary of the votes cast where the winner won by between 1,000 and 2,000 votes
The First Column is the Riding; the Second Column is the current Representative, and the last column is the Margin of Victory
So a total of 15 + 14 = 29 seats in our legislature are decided by less than a margin of 2,000 votes in the riding.
Do you realize that is a little more than 50% of the total number of 57 seats!
What Does This All Mean?
This illustrates that the government's grip on power is quite fragile. The last provincial election was determined by a slim margin of voters who participated, and this margin becomes even more minuscule when you take into account the vast number of eligible voters who chose not to cast their ballots.
Now, imagine a group like Manitoba Stronger Together, representing thousands of voters in Manitoba, and exerting our voting strength as a block to demand that the candidates represent what we want, what we believe and what the Province needs.
Imagine, if we concentrate our efforts in these 29 ridings, with a special effort in the 15 ridings that were decided by margins of less than 1,000 votes. Do you think we could flip these seats?
What if Manitoba Stronger Together got together a group of 200 eligible voters in the McPhillps Riding. That riding was decided by only 101 votes last time round.
Could we persuade 200 out of the 8,940 voters who cast their ballots to embrace our agenda rather than the traditional party agenda? Additionally, from the 6,703 people who abstained from voting, do you believe we could engage a few hundred more to support our cause?
What would happen then?
Do you think that the candidate might listen to us?
What if elected representatives only give us empty promises and then follow the party line once in office?
Rest assured, our commitment to accountability is unwavering. If they fail to heed the voice of the people, those who voted them in, come the next election, they will be voted out.
There will be no room for excuses or party loyalty; their allegiance must be to their constituents.
Consider the strength of this stance.
Imagine if this principle were applied to every seat in every election. What transformation could that bring about?
Are you aware of the voter turnout in your local School Board Elections, Municipal Elections, and Federal Elections? The information is available and accessible. Familiarize yourself with it, and let's work together to make a government that truly listens and responds to its people.
The Party System in Canada
The party system in Canadian politics has for decades been contributing to the maintenance of the status quo rather than facilitating transformative change. While Canada boasts a multi-party system, the differences between major parties is negligible, leading to a cyclical pattern of governance that often prioritizes lobbyists and special interest groups over the general populace.
In the context of the Manitoba Legislature, a political party refers to an organized privately run and funded group of individuals who share common political and financial goals, principles, and policies.
These parties participate in the democratic process by nominating candidates for elections, presenting a platform of policies to the electorate, and aiming to secure seats in the legislative assembly. They play a role in representing various ideologies and perspectives, making legislative decisions, and forming the government or opposition based on the number of seats they win in the elections. Political parties in the Manitoba Legislature shape the direction of the province's governance and policy-making by supposedly offering voters "choices" and advocating for their preferred solutions to various issues.
In my opinion these parties, (which are actually private organizations, you can think of them as private clubs), mainly look after their own interests and needs. The desires of the party come first.
In a typical scenario, a political party comes to power promising change and innovation. Voters, hopeful for new policies and a departure from the past, rally behind the party. However, once in power, the elected officials often begin to act in the best interests of lobbyists and special interest groups. The initial promises to the electorate are often forgotten, replaced by policies and laws that do not align with the broader public interest.
Over time, this approach has led to growing dissatisfaction among the electorate. As the ruling party's popularity wanes, they eventually lose an election, making way for another party that promises change. This new party, often just as entangled with special interests and lobbyists, tends to repeat the same cycle. The electorate, perhaps influenced by short-term memory and a desire for immediate change, may overlook the similarities between parties and their historical track records.
This cyclical pattern, marked by shifting allegiances to different parties that operate similarly, hinder true progress and innovation in governance. By focusing on the immediate needs of lobbyists and special interest groups rather than long-term, sustainable solutions for the population, the party system has created stagnation and decline. Voters' desires for new directions and tangible improvements are left unmet, while power shifts between parties that perpetuate similar policies.
The challenge is to break this cycle and foster genuine diversity of thought and approach within the political landscape. This requires greater transparency, accountability, and a commitment to the broader public interest over narrow, special interest goals. Without significant reform and a shift in political culture, the Canadian party system may continue to serve as a revolving door, where change is promised but the status quo remains largely untouched.
Manitoba Stronger Together represents a vision of how to break from the traditional party politics that have long dominated the Canadian political landscape. By recognizing the cyclic nature of party rule and the stagnation that accompanies it, our organization seeks to initiate a revolutionary shift in governance.
Our aim is not merely to replace one party with another but to fundamentally alter the way political power is understood and exercised. By focusing on the empowerment of the people and encouraging active citizen participation, Manitoba Stronger Together aims to bypass the influence of lobbyists and special interest groups that have historically dictated policy directions.
The mission is clear: Return true power to the hands of the people, where diverse voices can shape policy and direct the course of our community and nation. By fostering transparency, accountability, and a renewed focus on the public interest, Manitoba Stronger Together seeks to create a political environment where progress is not just a campaign promise but a tangible reality.
In challenging the status quo, we acknowledge the difficulties ahead, but the potential for real, positive change fuels our determination. Together, we can build a political culture that prioritizes the welfare of the many over the interests of the few, a system where the people, not party politics, guide our path forward. It is a vision worth striving for, and Manitoba Stronger Together is committed to making it a reality.
How Can You Help?
We stand at a pivotal moment in our province's history where the opportunity to create true representative government is not only imaginable but entirely achievable.
Manitoba Stronger Together is more than a movement; it's a promise to each other that we can reshape our political landscape to reflect the values, needs, and aspirations of all our citizens.
The balance of power in our current system is tenuous, often swayed by interests that do not align with the broader community's well-being. It's time to challenge that status quo and create a new pathway guided by the true essence of democracy - the voices of the people.
You, the citizens of Manitoba, are the heart and soul of this transformation. By joining Manitoba Stronger Together, you can become part of an empowering bloc of voters committed to taking back representative government in our province. It's a mission that requires your participation, your voice, and your vote.
Here's how you can help:
Join Us: Enlist in our community, attend meetings, and engage in open dialogues about what matters to you.
Educate Yourself: Understand the issues, the policies, and the vision that we strive for. Knowledge is power, and it drives informed decisions. Visit our Resources Page for great information.
Take Part: Volunteer, support, and contribute in ways that align with your abilities and passions. Every effort counts.
Vote: Exercise your democratic right to vote, knowing that each vote is a step towards a government that truly represents you.
We believe that Manitoba can set an example for Canada and the world. By embracing this collaborative and citizen-centered approach, we can create a beacon of true democracy that inspires others to follow.
The journey is ours to embark on, and the destination is a Manitoba where government is by the people and for the people. We invite you to join us, stand with us, and together, let's make history.
What Positions Has Manitoba Stronger Together Taken?
Do you remember the Manitoba of the past, a place of promise, prosperity, and boundless potential? A time when Manitobans proudly nourished the world with our agricultural bounty, manufactured goods that shone in global markets, and explored the depths of the earth for our abundant minerals.
There was a time when Manitobans shot rockets into space, we maintained the nation's trains and we kept Air Canada jets in the air. In those days, we relied on each other, not on the government. Our priorities were clear – God, Family, and Community. The government did not dictate every aspect of our lives, and we willingly paid our fair share, supporting our neighbours without hesitation. At Manitoba Stronger Together, we remember those days and believe Manitobans like us yearn for that vibrant future once more.
Together, we can reclaim our roots and build a brighter, stronger, and united Manitoba. With great pride and a shared vision for a brighter future, we hereby present Manitoba Stronger Together's Policy Statement Report. As concerned citizens, we have come together to chart a course for a stronger, more prosperous province that upholds the values we hold dear. This report represents the collective efforts of community members, experts, and passionate individuals, with a vision, who believe that true progress can only be achieved when the people are empowered and their voices heard.
Our journey has been guided by the belief that government should serve the people, not dictate their lives. We recognize the challenges facing our communities and understand that Manitobans deserve an accountable, transparent, and responsive government that prioritizes their needs. The policy proposals presented herein aim to foster a sense of belonging, cooperation, and self- reliance. Rooted in our rich heritage are the principles of neighbour helping neighbour and community-driven solutions.
As we approach the provincial general election on October 3, 2023, we invite all Manitobans to join us on this journey towards a stronger, more united province. Together, let us build a Manitoba where opportunity knows no bounds, where our natural resources are utilized sustainably, where education empowers generations, and where our healthcare system serves every citizen with dignity and compassion. We stand strong in our commitment to bring positive change to every corner of our province, and with your support, we believe we can create a future that truly embodies the spirit of Manitoba Stronger Together.
Finally, as e strengthen and empower our province through this process, our hope is to inspire other Canadian provinces thorough our example. Ultimately our goad is a stronger and united Canada: Canada Stronger Together.
Click the image below to Join us!
Who We Are We represent thousands of Manitoba Voters, and our voices will no longer be ignored.
At Manitoba Stronger Together, our mission is to restore political influence to the people by empowering them through the creation of a robust bloc of voters. We are dedicated to cultivating an engaged and informed citizenry, leveraging the strength of our collective numbers to influence political representatives and potential candidates at all levels of government. Together, we advocate for policies and initiatives that reflect the needs and desires of the people in our communities, - - - not corporate special interests, not political parties or international globalist organizations.
We believe in the collective strength of our voices which we will use to influence positive change at the local, provincial, and national levels of governance.
How? By utilizing our collective voting power. In other words, we will remind the candidates and representatives that they work for us, the People. We will accomplish this by showing them that our bloc of thousands of Manitobans will either vote for them or against them, depending on how they represent the people.
We have all seen how, once elected, representatives tow the party line or they enact new policies that may be contrary to the wants and needs of their constituents, or are different than they presented while on the campaign trail. In other words, many people simply vote for the party, and the fact is that no matter what party you vote for, they really do not represent you; many will only see you every four years.
Who We Are Not
We are not a Political Party.
We are non-party aligned, we are only aligned with the people of our communities.
We do not charge membership dues.
We do not take donations.
We do not have a tax exempt status.
We are beholden to no one outside of you, our members.