Federal Tories must focus on 'kitchen table' issues, says Manitoba premier

During his meeting with federal Conservatives in Winnipeg Thursday, Manitoba's premier said he encouraged the party to focus on more than justlowering taxes if they want to win seats backin 2019.

Brian Pallister advised Conservatives to stake out positions on areas like sustainable health-care spending and security to appeal to voters like those in his home province.

"They want us, as elected people, to be cognizant about what matters to Manitobans in their own home at their own kitchen table," said Pallister. "Taxes matter, but a chance to have a better life for your family matters."

Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer and most of his MPs are in Winnipeg this week for a caucus retreat. The meetings are a chance for the party to unite on both policy and strategy directions before the fall session of parliament starts later this month.

Much of the rhetoric out of the retreat has so farfocused on the importance of lower income taxes and criticizing the Liberals' plan to change the way small businesses are taxed.

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Pallister said the Conservatives have an opportunity to develop a health care plan better than the one offered by the Liberals whichcould help them win future votes.

So far, Manitoba's concerns on the issue have not been heard, Pallister said.

"We need a partnership. The federal government needs to step up."

A First Ministers meeting like the one planned next month that focuses solely on health care spending is "long overdue," said Pallister.

The Oct. 3 meeting is expected to focus on environmentally friendly economic growth.

In August, Manitoba was the last province to sign onto the federal health care deal and did so with open reluctance. Health Minister Kelvin Goertzen said itsthree per cent growth falls short of what's needed to cover an aging population.

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Pallister encouraged federal Conservatives to research the issue and present Canadians with an alternative.

Pleased with Liberals on refugee file

Pallister partly broke away briefly from federal Tories Thursday, praising the Liberalsfor their action on asylum seekers walking across the border.

The premier said efforts to discourage refugee claimants in cities like Minneapolis from crossing into Canada illegally are paying off. Manitoba has seen a recent drop in the number of asylum seekers.

"The federal government is acting now and good for them for doing so," he said.

Crossing between official ports of entry is dangerous, Pallister said, and many people may not fully understand the risks they are taking.

"We've had a death, we've had amputations, we've had people very, very fortunate not to lose their lives," said Pallister.

Cannabis announcements coming

The premier hinted Thursday atupcoming announcements from the Manitoba government on cannabis consumer safety.

Pallister criticizedOttawa for not giving provinces enough time to come up with a way to regulate the drug. He repeated his criticism Thursday and said the July 1 deadline is "unrealistic."

"That said, we are forced into a position where we have to get going."

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A working group was set up by premiers in July to look at cannabis regulation and is set to report back Nov. 1. While Pallistersaid that will help inform decisions and could allow provinces to do their best under a less-than-ideal deadline, problems may be inevitable.

"My concerns about safety, about product safety, consumer safety, driver safety both for smokers, consumers of cannabis and those who chose not to remain," he said.

Manitoba's pot announcements will be on ways the province can get ahead of these issues, Pallister said. He did not elaborate further on details.