The 2021 Progressive Conservative Party of Manitoba leadership election was held on October 30, 2021. The internal party election was called as a result of Premier Brian Pallister, the leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Manitoba, announcing his resignation on August 10, 2021. As the Progressive Conservative Party had a majority in the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba, their new leader would automatically become the 24th premier of Manitoba.
The winner, Heather Stefanson, became the first female premier of Manitoba, on November 2, 2021, by virtue of winning the internal party election.
Background
On August 10, 2021, Brian Pallister announced that he would not be seeking re-election in the next provincial election, although the exact date of his departure was not stated. Since the Progressive Conservatives held a majority in the Assembly, the new party leader would automatically become the premier of Manitoba.
The party's executive council decided the subsequent leadership convention would take place on October 30, 2021. Pallister declined to involve himself or his family in the election and stepped down as premier and party leader on September 1, ahead of the convention, to ensure there would not be allegations of him favouring anyone in the contest. Deputy premier Kelvin Goertzen was designated in a unanimous decision by the rest of the Progressive Conservative caucus to serve as interim party leader and thus premier until shortly after a new party leader was elected.
Procedure
In order to be eligible to contest the election, a candidate had to pay an entry fee of $25,000, provide a petition for leadership signed by 50 party members, and sell new party memberships to 1000 new or recurring members. The election was held on a one member, one vote basis, with solely mail-in ballots under a instant-runoff voting system.
Candidates
Shelly Glover
Shelly Glover had been the federal MP for Saint Boniface (2008–2015). In the government of Stephen Harper, she had been the minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages (2013–2015). Prior to entering politics, she was a member of the Winnipeg Police Service.
Candidacy announced: August 25, 2021
Heather Stefanson
Heather Stefanson is the MLA for Tuxedo (2000–present). She had been the Deputy premier (2016–January 5, 2021) to Premier Pallister, but resigned the position on announcing her candidacy for the leadership. She had also been the Minister of Justice and Attorney General (2016–2018), the Minister of Families (2018–2021), and the Minister of Health and Seniors Care (January 5, 2021 – August 18, 2021). Prior to entering electoral politics, she worked in the office of Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, as an assistant to federal Agriculture Minister Charlie Mayer, and as an investment advisor for Wellington West Capital in Winnipeg from 1995 to 2000.
Candidacy announced: August 18, 2021
Endorsements
MLAs: (26) Eileen Clarke (Agassiz), Cliff Cullen (Spruce Woods), Wayne Ewasko (Lac du Bonnet), Scott Fielding (Kirkfield Park), Cameron Friesen (Morden-Winkler), Audrey Gordon (Southdale), Josh Guenter (Borderland), Sarah Guillemard (Fort Richmond), Reg Helwer (Brandon West), Len Isleifson (Brandon East), Derek Johnson (Interlake), Scott Johnston (Assiniboia), Bob Lagassé (Dawson Trail), Alan Lagimodiere (Selkirk), Brad Michaleski (Dauphin), Andrew Micklefield (Rossmere), Janice Morley-Lecomte (Seine River), Doyle Piwniuk (Turtle Mountain), Jon Reyes (Waverley), Ron Schuler (Springfield-Ritchot), Andrew Smith (Lagimodière), Dennis Smook (La Verendrye), James Teitsma (Radisson), Jeff Wharton (Red River North), Ian Wishart (Portage la Prairie), Rick Wowchuk (Swan River) MPs: (3) Larry Maguire (Brandon—Souris), Marty Morantz (Charleswood—St. James—Assiniboia—Headingley), Dan Mazier (Dauphin—Swan River—Neepawa) Municipal politicians: (1) Jeff Browaty (Winnipeg City Councillor) Former MLAs: (13) Bob Banman (La Verendrye), Glen Cummings (Ste. Rose), Len Derkach (Russell), Jim Downey (Arthur), David Faurschou (Portage la Prairie), John Loewen (Fort Whyte), Bonnie Mitchelson (River East), Stuart Murray (Kirkfield Park), Mike Radcliffe (River Heights), Shirley Render (St. Vital), Leanne Rowat (Minnedosa), Mavis Taillieu (Morris), Rosemary Vodrey (Fort Garry) Former MPs: (3) Joyce Bateman (Winnipeg South Centre), Charlie Mayer (Lisgar—Marquette), Joy Smith (Kildonan—St. Paul)