1999 Manitoba general election facts for kids

The Manitoba general election of September 21, 1999 was an important event where people in Manitoba, Canada, voted for new leaders. They were choosing members for the Legislative Assembly, which is like their provincial parliament.

The New Democratic Party (NDP) won this election. They secured 32 out of 57 available seats. This meant they had enough seats to form the government. The Progressive Conservative Party won 24 seats, and the Manitoba Liberal Party won one seat. Other parties, like the Manitoba Party, the Green Party, the Libertarian Party, and the Communist Party, also had candidates, but they did not win any seats. These smaller parties each received less than 1% of all the votes.

The New Democratic Party formed the government for the first time since 1988. Gary Doer became the new Premier, which is the head of the provincial government.

What is a General Election?

A general election is when citizens vote to choose who will represent them in the government. In Manitoba, people vote for members of the Legislative Assembly. These members then work together to make laws and decisions for the province.

Why Do Elections Matter?

Elections are a key part of democracy. They allow people to have a say in how their province is run. By voting, citizens can choose leaders who they believe will make the best decisions for everyone.

Political Parties in Manitoba

In Manitoba, several political parties compete in elections. Each party has different ideas about how the province should be governed.

The New Democratic Party (NDP)

The NDP is a political party that often focuses on social programs and helping working families. In the 1999 election, they won the most seats and formed the government.

The Progressive Conservative Party

The Progressive Conservative Party is another major party in Manitoba. They often focus on economic growth and lower taxes. They won the second-highest number of seats in 1999.

The Liberal Party

The Liberal Party is also a well-known party in Canada. In Manitoba, they won one seat in the 1999 election.

Other Parties in the Election

Several smaller parties also participated in the 1999 election. These included the Manitoba Party, the Green Party, the Libertarian Party, and the Communist Party. While they didn't win seats, their participation shows the variety of political ideas in Manitoba.

Who Was Gary Doer?

Gary Doer became the Premier of Manitoba after the 1999 election. The Premier is the leader of the winning political party and the head of the provincial government. They are responsible for leading the province and making important decisions.