When Heather Stefanson became Manitoba’s premier, the Tuxedo MLA’s performance as health minister during the pandemic’s third wave was always going to be an Achilles’ heel.
Stefanson was responsible for health during the spring of 2021, when Manitoba hospitals were so overwhelmed by severe COVID-19 cases, Shared Health had to transfer 57 intensive-care patients to other provinces.
Stefanson was forced to address her record during the PC leadership race, which she eventually won by a narrow and disputed margin.
Asked why she didn’t push for tougher third-wave restrictions earlier — especially after Manitoba’s disastrous experience during the second wave — she said she was listening to advice from public health.
