WATCH: Embattled Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger tells reporters he has heard the calls for him to step down from within his own cabinet, but he will continue as premier.
WINNIPEG – Embattled Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger will continue to lead the province despite calls for his resignation, he said at a news conference Tuesday afternoon.
Over the past two days Selinger has faced a revolt in his caucus, with some of his top cabinet ministers questioning whether he should continue in his role.
Justice Minister Andrew Swan, Health Minister Erin Selby, Finance Minister Jennifer Howard and Municipal Government Minister Stan Struthers have all said with the NDP government plummeting in polls, the premier needs to seriously consider stepping down. Jobs and the Economy Minister Theresa Oswald refused to say what she thought he should do, but did say she had spoken to him about recent poll results and the defeat of longtime NDP politician Judy Wasylycia-Leis in the Winnipeg mayoral election.
READ MORE: More ministers join call for Premier Greg Selinger to step down
Selinger said he met with the ministers who suggested he resign and let them know he’d continue to work “to make a better Manitoba.” None of them appeared with him at the news conference.
VIDEO: Greg Selinger says he’s spoken to ministers who have called for him to step down
“There’s been some some folks that have recommended I take a serious look at my role,” he said. “I don’t think it has been particularly helpful.”
Only 15 of the 33 NDP members of the legislative assembly appeared with Selinger at the news conference.
Only six cabinet ministers — Education and Advanced Learning Minister James Allum, Mineral Resources Dave Chomiak, Family Services Minister Kerri Irvin-Ross, Housing and Community Development Minister Peter Bjornson, Healthy Living and Seniors Minister Sharon Blady and Aboriginal and Northern Affairs Minister Eric Robinson — stood with Selinger at the news conference.
VIDEO: Premier Selinger focused on tuning out distractions
Other MLAs with Selinger at the news conference were:
- Rob Altemeyer (Wolseley)
- Melanie Wight (Burrows)
- Dave Gaudreau (Saint Norbert)
- Greg Dewar (Selkirk)
- Jim Maloway (Elmwood)
- Ted Marcelino (Tyndall Park)
- Mohinder Saran (Maples)
- Jim Rondeau (Assiniboia)
- Deanne Crothers (St. James)
WATCH: Greg Selinger defends decision to hike sales tax
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