The Empire Club of Canada
“I love this country. I’m a patriot, and I’m a staunch advocate for our rights and freedoms — which I say are best articulated in our Charter.”
— Premier Wab Kinew
From a father who wasn’t allowed to vote- to leading the province of Manitoba, Wab Kinew’s story is deeply Canadian — one of rights hard-won and democracy renewed. Mentored by Stephen Lewis, Kinew credits human rights for giving him the chance to leave the reserve and chart his own course.
The notwithstanding clause (Section 33) allows governments to override Charter rights — a tool some premiers have wielded aggressively. Kinew is pushing back.
Under Bill 50, any future Manitoba government must first refer such laws to the courts. It’s not just legal reform — it’s democratic renewal.
While Kinew admits the clause could one day “be used for good,” his core message is simple: rights must never be suspended in the dark.
Wab Kinew’s leadership marks a return to principle over politics.
By defending the Charter, empowering voters, and calling for unity, he’s not just shaping Manitoba’s future — he’s offering a blueprint for a stronger, more democratic Canada.