New Manitoba PC Leader Apologizes for Controversial Landfill Search Ads During Election Campaign
In a significant development in Manitoba politics, the new leader of the Progressive Conservative (PC) Party has issued a public apology for controversial campaign ads opposing a landfill search that drew widespread criticism during the 2023 provincial election. The ads, which were aired under former Premier Heather Stefanson’s leadership, rejected the idea of searching the Prairie Green Landfill for the remains of two Indigenous women, Morgan Harris and Marcedes Myran.
The newly elected PC leader, Wayne Ewasko, addressed the issue during a press conference held in Winnipeg earlier this week. Acknowledging the pain and division the ads caused, Ewasko extended a heartfelt apology to the families of the victims, Indigenous communities, and Manitobans at large.
> “Those ads did not reflect the values of empathy, compassion, and reconciliation that our party should stand for,” Ewasko said. “We must learn from our mistakes and do better.”
The apology marks a stark shift from the tone of the Progressive Conservative campaign last fall, which was widely criticized for politicizing a deeply sensitive issue. The decision not to support a landfill search became a central controversy, drawing backlash from Indigenous leaders, advocates, and many community members who saw the move as dismissive of Indigenous lives and concerns.
Ewasko’s statement is being seen as a move to rebuild bridges and reposition the party after its election defeat. The PCs lost power to the Manitoba NDP in the 2023 election, in part due to voter dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of Indigenous issues and public safety concerns.
The search for the remains of Harris and Myran has become a national symbol of the broader call for justice and reconciliation for missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls (MMIWG) in Canada. While the federal government has expressed support for the search, logistical and safety concerns have slowed progress. Indigenous leaders and advocates continue to push for a full search of the site, citing both humanitarian and moral imperatives.
Grand Chief Cathy Merrick of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs responded to Ewasko’s apology, saying it was a “welcome gesture,” but also noted that words must be followed by action.
> “An apology is a start, but we expect this party to stand with us moving forward, to respect our people, and to commit to reconciliation in practice, not just in words,” she stated.
Political analysts say Ewasko’s apology could be an attempt to rebrand the PC Party and appeal to a broader demographic ahead of the next provincial election cycle. However, critics argue that the damage done by the ads will not be easily undone and that the party must now demonstrate real commitment to Indigenous issues to regain public trust.
As Manitoba’s political landscape continues to evolve, Ewasko’s leadership will be closely watched to see whether his words translate into tangible policy changes and renewed respect for Indigenous voices.
The issue of MMIWG remains a deeply painful and unresolved chapter in Canadian society. As such, political leaders’ handling of related matters is under intense scrutiny, making gestures like this apology critical but insufficient without meaningful follow-through.
Stay tuned for more updates on Manitoba politics, Indigenous advocacy, and government accountability across Canada.
Source : Swifteradio.com
