Recently, I attended the PC Party of Manitoba’s event to meet the leadership candidates. As someone who has been involved in public service and experienced the intricacies of politics, I wasn’t shocked by the reaction from some of the old guard to my presence. Their frustration was palpable, not necessarily toward me personally, but toward the Winnipeg Sun. The Sun’s commitment to reporting the truth—whether it aligns with political preferences or not—was evidently a sore spot. Our decision to cover the “Car Rental” invoice scandal without taking sides had unsettled them, and it became clear that even a straightforward act of journalism can meet resistance when it threatens entrenched political power.
Interim Leader Wayne Ewasko took a moment to introduce the former MLAs in attendance, though he notably left my name out. It was a small gesture, but it reaffirmed what I’ve come to believe about politics: it is too often driven by petty divisions, personal grudges, and a hunger for influence rather than by a genuine desire to serve. Both sides of the political aisle engage in this game, and it’s a game that ultimately serves no one but those clinging to power. But in my time in politics, I’ve also made friends and have valued the opportunity to contribute to a community that has been so generous to me and my family. I don’t regret stepping forward to serve, though it came with its share of challenges and revelations about the true nature of the political landscape.
It’s worth acknowledging that this divisive culture isn’t limited to one end of the spectrum. The left has perfected a kind of flash-mob politics that exerts pressure on anyone who dares to oppose its stance, often threatening economic or professional consequences. Many cave to this pressure, including corporate and political leaders, fearing the repercussions of noncompliance. However, that pattern recently met a formidable challenge with Elon Musk’s resistance. His unwillingness to restore previous censorship systems on X (formerly Twitter) sparked pushback and threats to his business interests, yet he remained undeterred. Now, Musk has been joined by Jeff Bezos, who recently declared in The Washington Post that his paper would no longer endorse presidential candidates. Bezos’s decision represents a commitment to preserving journalism’s core duty to inform rather than influence—a commitment that I respect and support.
Bezos’s stance resonates with me, as it reflects the very reason that led me and a group of Manitobans to acquire the Winnipeg Sun and Portage Graphic Leader. Many of us have long advocated for newspapers to stay out of the endorsement business, arguing that journalism should not be about choosing sides. Our job is to report all sides of a story so that readers can make up their own minds. Newspapers are not meant to inject a third perspective—the editor’s opinion—into factual reporting. We do, however, welcome columnists to express their opinions, as readers recognize these as personal viewpoints rather than statements of fact.
Yet divisive rhetoric is not solely a product of the left; extreme elements on the right are just as guilty. Extremism, no matter its origin, fuels division and detracts from finding practical solutions to the issues that matter. My wife and I often discuss the current state of the world and the challenges that await our grandchildren. It’s troubling to see how intolerant society has become. In today’s environment, it feels as though everyone has taken a side, and anyone who dares to think differently faces being canceled, attacked, or vilified. I’ve experienced this firsthand during my time in politics, where I was no stranger to smear campaigns and misrepresentation.
Ironically, the criticism I now face comes from some of the very people I once sat beside. My commitment to truth-telling has made me a target, particularly in relation to the invoice scandal. I recently encountered a former staffer with Sio Silica, who appeared to support Obby Khan’s campaign, suggesting that I should back off from covering the company. Once again, my “fault” was in choosing to tell the truth. The facts regarding the PC Party’s actions and environmental concerns surrounding Sio Silica were inconvenient, but they were nonetheless facts. The Winnipeg Sun reported these matters because it’s what the public deserves: transparency. Many of us are now waiting for the investigation to conclude so that these issues can finally be laid to rest.
Rather than addressing the ethical concerns that this scandal has raised, some former MLAs seem more interested in blaming the Winnipeg Sun and me for the discomfort our reporting caused. It’s as though the truth itself is unwelcome, and we’re held responsible simply for bringing it to light. This mindset is exactly why I support Jeff Bezos’s decision to avoid political endorsements and why the Winnipeg Sun will uphold this principle as well. We’re not here to promote a party or a candidate; we’re here to serve the people of Manitoba by delivering honest, unbiased journalism.
Journalism should inform, not indoctrinate. Our goal at the Winnipeg Sun is to present facts as they are, without sensationalism or skewed headlines designed to fuel outrage. Our focus is on accountability and on being a reliable source of news for our readers. As the only Manitoba-owned daily newspaper, we take seriously our role as a steward of truthful reporting in this community. We are committed to presenting the facts, even when they may not align with popular sentiment or political agendas.
In an increasingly divided world, tolerance and open dialogue are desperately needed. The idea that everyone must conform to one set of beliefs is harmful and unrealistic. People should be free to hold differing views without fear of retribution or social exclusion, but not at the cost of those you disagree with. When I chose to pursue a career in public service, I did so with the hope of fostering a better future, not just for my family but for all Manitobans. This hope hasn’t wavered, but I recognize that it won’t come to fruition if division and intolerance continue to dominate the political sphere.
Our commitment at the Winnipeg Sun is to provide Manitobans with a news source they can trust—one that values truth over partisanship and serves as a forum for honest, civil discourse. As much as political power struggles try to obstruct this mission, we remain steadfast in our dedication to unbiased reporting. Our responsibility is to you, our readers, and our goal is a stronger, more united Manitoba where information flows freely and truth prevails over division.
Our success will only come with your support, through purchasing a subscription or advertising with us. Unlike the other newspaper in Winnipeg, we do not receive vast amounts of federal funding. We operate independently, and this independence allows us to stay true to our local mission. But we know that in order to earn your subscription or advertising dollars, we must first earn your respect and trust. We are committed to doing this every single day, through diligent reporting, accountability, and a focus on the facts. Your support not only sustains us but reinforces the belief that local, unbiased journalism still has a crucial role to play in society. We thank you for placing your trust in us, and we promise to continue working tirelessly to uphold it.
Comments