Kelly Saunders

The NDP's victory in Alberta on Tuesday could create some new problems for Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger,

 

Kelly Saunders an Assistant Professor of Political Science at Brandon University feels the win in Alberta was more of a protest vote than one based on the best policies.

 

“You know in my estimation it was less of a vindication of the NDP brand as it was a sentiment of the same old politics and we are going to punish the incumbent politicians we're not very happy with” said Saunders.

 

In that respect she feels the Selinger government remains in trouble in Manitoba.

 

Moving forward Saunders thinks the Manitoba government could be facing a brain drain. “Certainly with a new NDP government they are going to be looking for political staff and seasoned partisans to help them build a new government.”

 

She adds some party workers might think if I stay in Manitoba I may only have job security for one more year but if I move to Alberta I will have a job for at least a full term.

 

With Manitobans heading to the polls in less than a year Saunders says the Premier will try to put a positive spin on the NDP win in Alberta.

 

“His language is all going to be about the NDP is alive and well and strong in Canada and if even Albertans can vote NDP it means the NDP message is picking up speed across the country” said Saunders.

 

 

Unfortunately Saunders says that isn't the case. The old Albert government fell cut of favour with long time supporters and they simply wanted a change.