May 25, 2023

Treaty 1 and Dakota Territory, Homeland of the Red River Métis, Winnipeg- Speaking at a private PC party event held in the Legislature last night, Premier Stefanson’s Campaign Co-Chair Candice Bergen called Manitoba youth “entitled” and stated that many young people have been “brainwashed” at “university” or “as children at school.” Premier Heather Stefanson and her campaign Director Marni Larkin also attended the event.

“These offensive comments are a direct attack on public education in our province,” said NDP MLA Lisa Naylor. “Let’s be clear: schools and educators do not brainwash kids, they educate them. We know the Stefanson’s PCs have undermined Manitoba’s public education system and they’ve made continuous cuts to our universities, but this is a whole new level of disrespect toward Manitoba families and educators coming from their MAGA-supporting Campaign chair.

The Premier appointed Bergen as her campaign co-chair. She chose Bergen to represent PC values – and she was at this event. Is this the Premier’s view of education in Manitoba?”

Bergen’s comments come just one day after the Brandon School Board held a meeting to discuss a proposed book ban of books containing 2SLGBTQ+ content. One-week earlier Alberta UCP Premier Danielle Smith said she would kick a UCP candidate out of her caucus after a recording emerged of the candidate comparing trans-children in schools to feces.

When she announced Bergen’s appointment as Campaign Co-chair, Premier Stefanson said Bergen would unite Conservatives and called her “a huge “get” for our team.”

You can listen to the audio recording of Bergen here.