On November 2, 2021, Heather Stefanson was sworn in as the 24th premier of Manitoba at the Manitoba Legislative Building, accompanied by her family, friends, colleagues and community leaders.
“I stand before you today as Manitoba’s 24th premier. This was something that was once unthinkable,” said Stefanson. “I reflect on the many people who paved the way to make this possible and I promise that our government will embrace their values of equality, inclusivity and understanding.”
Stefanson listed her top priorities as advancing reconciliation, addressing the surgical and diagnostic backlogs, improving education, rebuilding the economy and focusing on the labour shortage. She noted the government will foster an environment of consultation and better relationships between other levels of government, including First Nations and the Manitoba Metis Federation, businesses, labour groups and other key players in the Manitoba community.
The premier pledged to create a task force to tackle surgical and diagnostic backlogs, details of which will be released in the coming weeks. The government will implement every recommendation of Dr. Lynn Stevenson’s review of long-term care, noted Stefanson.
The premier will announce the return of the legislature in the coming days.
