Canada’s most popular premier faces a political reality check — here’s why

Inside Politics returns with a blunt assessment of the latest national polling that places Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew at the top of Canada’s provincial popularity rankings—despite deepening crises at home. Host Kevin Klein, joined by Winnipeg Sun columnists Royce Koop and Lawrence Pinsky, K.C., dug into the contradictions behind the numbers and the growing speculation that Kinew may have federal ambitions.

Koop noted that Kinew’s 58% approval rating is undeniably strong, though down a full ten points from just months ago. “People like him—he’s charismatic, positive, and carries national appeal,” Koop said. “But eventually Manitobans will judge him on results, not vibes.” And results are exactly where the panel sees the wheels falling off.

Pinsky didn’t mince words. “Watch question period and you’ll see a different side of him—bullying, shouting, refusing to answer questions,” he argued. “Look at what he has actually accomplished: a ballooning deficit, capital fleeing the province, health care collapsing. So why is he still this popular? Image. Media. Nothing substantive.”

Klein agreed, pointing to the recent tragedy of an elderly woman dying after waiting more than 30 hours for care in a Winnipeg ER. “This should consume the entire legislature,” he said. “Instead, we get theatrics, snark, and one-liners. The opposition isn’t holding the government accountable, and Manitobans are paying the price.”

The panel also flagged the Minnesota-level dysfunction inside Manitoba’s Progressive Conservative Party, including the abrupt resignation of their new caucus director after only five months. “There isn’t a serious opposition right now,” Klein said. “And Kinew is benefitting from that vacuum.”

From there, discussion widened to the national stage. With two potential separation referendums looming—in Quebec and Alberta—and Canada’s economic stability tied to an uncertain U.S. trade renegotiation, Koop warned that “these are dangerous times to have a leader who governs by performance instead of policy.”

Pinsky added, “Manitoba needs a real conservative alternative. Canada needs adult leadership. Right now, voters are getting neither.”

Klein closed the episode with a challenge to viewers: “Manitoba deserves solutions, not slogans. And Canada deserves leadership, not illusions.”