Flin Flon was likely to go to the NDP in any event but it is rather embarassing for the Conservatives not to run a full slate. While the NDP boasts about the number of women running many run in seats that are unwinnable. It is sort of a female sacrifice in some instances but what the heck it always used to be males who had to run in these constituencies. There should be equal opportunity to be defeated!
Breaking News
Tories fall short of full slate
196 running for Manitoba's 57 legislature seats; Flin Flon PC candidate drops out of race
Updated at 9:21 PM
By David Kuxhaus
The Tories will be the only major party not fielding a full slate of candidates in the provincial election.
The party announced Tuesday that former Tadoule Lake Chief Illa Bussidore, who was expected to run in the Flin Flon riding, has dropped out.
"Obviously we are disappointed that the people of Flin Flon will not have the choice of a PC Party of Manitoba candidate," the party's campaign manager Jonathan Scarth said in a statement. Scarth indicated the party was notified a few days ago that Bussidore was unable to proceed due to personal reasons.
Liberal leader Dr. Jon Gerrard took a shot at the Tories for failing to have a full slate.
"If Hugh can't even field a full team, why would anyone think he can bring back the Jets?," said Gerrard.
The Grits, however, have had their own troubles coming up with a full list of nominees. In 1999, they ran candidates in only 50 of the province's 57 ridings.
Tuesday was the deadline for candidates to file their nomination papers. Elections Manitoba announced that 196 candidates will be competing in the race, one less than the 2003 provincial election.
The NDP team includes 19 women candidates, the most the party has ever fielded. In the last provincial election, the New Democrats had 17 women running.
"We're very delighted by the number of great qualified women that have been nominated across Manitoba," said leader Gary Doer. "I'm very excited about what this means for Manitoba in two weeks."
The Liberals have 17 women on their slate, down five from the 2003 race while the Tories have 14 women running.
Liberal party spokesman Shane Sadorski said it's still a challenge to attract women, given the demands of campaigning. He added that not having set election dates makes it difficult for some potential women candidates to make plans.
All three of the major parties also have a number of aboriginal candidates on their roster with the Liberals leading the way with nine.
Sadorski said the party made a point of trying to recruit aboriginal candidates to reflect the new face of Manitoba.
Other parties vying for votes on the May 22 include the Green Party, who are represented in 15 ridings and the Communist Party of Canada - Manitoba, who have six candidates. There are five independents registered to run, including former NDP MLA Conrad Santos.
■ david.kuxhaus@freepress.mb.ca
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