Local bidders would be prioritized for Manitoba contracts under NDP government: Wab Kinew

Manitoba New Democratspromiseto ensure moregovernment contract work goes to bidders and workers within theprovince.

"We have tradespeople out of work here in the province, even as we're building ... big infrastructure. It makes no sense," NDP Leader Wab Kinew said at a Monday campaign announcement.

Kinew said their government would prioritize local companies when tenders are issued. He wouldn't say if that means the province will accept higher bids if they're the local ones.

"I have full confidence in the working people of Manitoba that not only can they be competitive on price, but they can deliver higher quality compared to people from out of province," he said.

National and regional trade agreements require equal access to bidders from other provinces on most major projects, but Kinew saidthere are exceptions.

Kinew said the governing Progressive Conservatives have not taken advantage of those exceptions, and he would dobetter.

"The PCs have never taken advantage of the clauses in these agreements that allow you to put your local workers first. Alberta does it. Saskatchewan does it," Kinew said. He did not provide any examples.

Tory spokesperson Shannon Martin, the departing McPhillips MLA, accused the NDP of not understanding trade and labour mobility agreements, which he said benefits all Canadians, especially Manitoba businesses.

"Only the NDP could make an election commitment that's against the law," Martin said in an email.

Kinew also promised to spend more on infrastructure projects, including new hospital emergency departments, his party has promisedif it wins the Oct. 3 election.

The NDP plan is endorsed by Dave McPhail of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers union, who says there has beenless work under the Tory government.

"The unfortunate thing is that when you work out of town, it creates a lot of disarray within the family," he said. "Who's cutting your grass? Who's shoveling your snow?"

Meanwhile, Manitoba Liberal Leader Dougald Lamont said the NDP's announcement lacks specifics.

• Read fullManitoba election coverage from CBC Manitoba here