Manitoba Progressive Conservatives elect new party president
Manitoba’s Progressive Conservatives elected Peter Smith to be the new president of the party during a convention in Winnipeg over the weekend.
Manitoba’s Progressive Conservatives elected Peter Smith to be the new president of the party during a convention in Winnipeg over the weekend.
Smith was selected by party members on Saturday to replace the outgoing president, Brent Pooles. A Navy veteran, the party called Smith both a business and community leader.
“I’m absolutely thrilled that my fellow Progressive Conservatives have put their trust in me,” said Smith on Monday. “We have to be ready for the next election and I look forward to shifting the PC Party to an election-ready footing.
Smith previously served as president of the federal Conservative electoral district association for Winnipeg South Centre, which is likely to bolster the Manitoba party’s ties with their federal counterparts.
The party also unveiled its new PC brand, which “builds on the traditions and accomplishments of the past, while looking to the future.”
“The logomark shows the letter ‘P’ created by the negative space in the letter ‘C’, portraying the progressive value of ‘filling in the gaps’ within a conservative frame. The ‘C’ is coloured in a gradient of Classic Blue and Sky Blue, representing movement between tradition and a bold New Era,” reads a statement from the party.
“Centered within the letters is a charging bison, signifying the act of moving forward head first. The inclusion of Manitoba’s most iconic emblem in red showcases PCs’ provincial and national pride.”
Fort Whyte MLA Obby Khan, who recently became the party’s leader in April, also gave a speech at the convention, saying the Progressive Conservatives are now united.
“Progressive Conservatives are united going forward,” said Khan. “This weekend, PCs demonstrated that we are a big tent party ready for the future. We have the passion, energy, and momentum going forward. The New Era of the PC Party is here.”
Khan said the room erupted in cheers when the logo was unveiled, the room erupted in cheers, giving him chills.
“Delegates, guests, supporters, and their friends and families could see elements of the old logos carried over into the new design. Everyone really appreciated the blending of tradition and a bold new look for a bold New Era of the PC Party,” said Khan.