Manitoba PC ads oppose landfill search

With only a few days until the election, the Manitoba PCs have ads popping up across the city and in local papers — opposing the landfill search for the remains of Indigenous women. But some say it’s gone too far.

“I think it’s sad. I think it’s appalling. I honestly really think it’s really unfortunate,” said Kyle Mason, Indigenous and reconciliation advocate.

The remains of Morgan Harris and Marcedes Myran are believed to be in the Prairie Green Landfill, north of Winnipeg. PC Leader Heather Stefanson has stood firm — that if elected, her party will not be searching the landfill due to health and safety concerns and is making her stance clear — as the ads continue to pop up.

“They have a leader like that who thinks it’s okay to create division in Manitoba,” said Chief Kyra Wilson, Long Plain First Nation.

Related Stories:

• Families of Morgan Harris, Marcedes Myran outraged by Manitoba PC landfill search ad

• Manitoba Chiefs calling for resignation of PC leader Heather Stefanson

• Manitoba government says searching landfill for remains of Indigenous women too risky

Wilson says she never thought the issue would come this far.

“It’s just disgusting and what I see is desperation right now. I see desperation right now from Heather Stefanson in what she is doing.”

Mason called it extremely disrespectful to the families who are waiting to bring their loved ones home.

“A landfill, our garbage dump should not be anyone’s resting place, and these women, these sisters, need to come home,” he explained.

Mason says this landfill issue should never have become political.

“Experts have said this can be done and it should be done. It is extremely unfortunate that it has become an election issue, but I hope Manitobans keep this in mind while they are voting.”

Billboard seen in Winnipeg stating the Manitoba PC party will not search landfills for missing Indigenous women. (Photo Credit: Alex Karpa)

Political analyst and professor Kelly Saunders says ads like these really show the downward trend toward negative campaigning and negative advertising.

“It’s not unusual although disappointing for parties in that kind of situation to really throw everything they have and create those wedge issues in an attempt to try and claw back some votes,” said Kelly Saunders, a Political Science Professor at Brandon University.

Saunders believes this issue is one that necessarily will not win votes.

“Certainly their base is going to continue to support the party, regardless of this kind of messaging, but the party needs to grow their support. They need to try and look for those swing voters, and I’m really not sure if this is the issue that is going to achieve that goal for them.”