WINNIPEG — Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew has set the date for a byelection to fill a seat left vacant by his predecessor. 

Voters in the Winnipeg constituency of Tuxedo will go to the polls on Tuesday, June 18 to choose a replacement for former premier Heather Stefanson.

She resigned the seat on May 6, putting an end to a 23-year political career that included just over two years as Progressive Conservative party leader.

The Tuxedo seat has historically been a stronghold of the Progressive Conservatives, but in last year’s provincial election, the New Democrats came within 300 votes of claiming it as they swept into power. 

The results were so close in Tuxedo that Stefanson was not declared a winner until two days after the election.

There are currently 34 New Democrats, 21 Progressive Conservatives, one Liberal and one vacant seat in the Manitoba legislature.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 20, 2024.

The Canadian Press