Premier Kinew announces date for Transcona byelection

The exterior of the Manitoba Legislature is seen in Winnipeg, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods

Premier Wab Kinew has set the date for a Transcona byelection.

The seat for the area was left vacant after former MLA Nello Altomare passed away on Jan. 14.

Kinew announced Tuesday the byelection will be held on March 18.

Elections Manitoba said advanced voting will start on March 8.

To vote, Transcona residents must be Canadian citizens, be 18 or older on election day and have lived in Manitoba for at least six months. ID will be required to vote.

The NDP also unveiled its candidate for the byelection, with Kinew introducing Shannon Corbett.

Corbett is an educator in the area and had previously worked alongside Altomare.

“I considered him as a mentor and a friend. I want to continue to carry on that legacy that Nello has built,” said Corbett.

“I’m going to work hard over the next several weeks earning your trust and your support and I’m going to listen to your perspective, find common ground and bring your ideas forward to the government.”

The NDP has 33 seats in the Manitoba legislature, the Conservatives have 21, there is one independent Liberal and one independent member.