Here's what they're not telling you about Kinew
Morning from the Wheat City — here's what's driving Brandon today.
You know, sometimes the stories that *aren't* about Brandon tell you a lot about how people see our city. There's this buzz right now that Premier Wab Kinew still hasn't made a public visit to Steinbach, nearly three years into his term. Steinbach, as you know, is the province’s third-largest city, and he's been pushing this "One Manitoba" message. It makes you wonder about the optics, doesn't it? If the third-largest city isn't getting a visit, what does that say about the second-largest?
Look, Brandon has a $2.9 billion economy. We're not some rural outpost. We've got major employers like Maple Leaf Foods and Behlen Industries, and the Keystone Centre brings in millions. We're projected to hit 80,000 people by 2040, driven by immigration that's changing the face of our community. When a premier talks about "One Manitoba" but skips the major economic drivers outside of Winnipeg, it feels a bit… selective. It's not just about shaking hands; it's about understanding the diverse economic engines that power this province.
### Why This Matters for Brandon
* **Economic Recognition:** Our GDP rivals many smaller provinces. A premier's visit isn't just symbolic; it signals recognition of our industrial backbone and growth. * **Infrastructure Needs:** From housing gaps to road improvements on 18th Street, Brandon has real infrastructure demands tied to our expansion. * **"Second City" Syndrome:** It reinforces the feeling that Brandon sometimes gets overlooked in favour of Winnipeg, despite our significant contributions.
We're a city that happens to grow wheat, yes, but we're also a hub for agribusiness, manufacturing, and education with Brandon University. When you talk about "One Manitoba," you've got to walk the talk, and that means engaging with *all* the cities driving the province forward, not just the capital.
Marcus Fehr, Morning Wire, Brandon.
Catch the full breakdown of provincial politics and its impact on Westman on the Morning Wire, live at mornings.live.