11/09/2023

Treaty 1 and Dakota Territory, Homeland of the Red River Metis, Winnipeg MB – Today, Manitoba NDP MLA Tom Lindsey was acclaimed as Manitoba’s 31st Speaker of the House.

“It is honour of a lifetime to serve Manitobans as the Speaker of the Manitoba Legislature,” said Mr. Lindsey. “People across our province seek an open, collaborative and respectful government. As the Speaker, I will uphold these values and ensure the Assembly operates fairly.”

First elected in Manitoba’s 2016 general election, the NDP MLA for Flin Flon secured re-election in 2019 and 2023 and has taken on multiple leadership roles within the party, including serving as the former Caucus Chair and the NDP’s Critic for Natural Resources and Northern Affairs. Mr. Lindsey has dedicated his career to making life better for Manitobans across the province – as a labour advocate in the mining industry and as an MLA representing the north in the Manitoba Legislature.

“I am so proud of Tom Lindsey’s election to Speaker of the Manitoba Legislature, an incredible achievement in an already impressive career,” said Premier Wab Kinew. I’ve stood shoulder to shoulder with Tom in the Opposition trenches for years. He is a passionate voice for working people across our province, particularly in the North. I know he will bring that same focus on justice, fairness and solidarity to the job of Speaker.”

The Speaker oversees and enforces the Assembly's procedures, rules and practices. The election of a Speaker was done via acclimation, and all Members of the Legislative Assembly had the opportunity to vote. As the official non-partisan representative of the house, the Speaker advocates for Manitoba at national and international parliamentary gatherings. While maintaining neutrality and impartiality, the Speaker must continue to fulfill their duties as an MLA. They do so by resolving the issues of their constituents through private recommendations to government and organizations.

Congratulations Speaker Tom Lindsey.