Silence is speaking volumes after Premier Brian Pallister announced he was stepping down.
On Tuesday afternoon in Brandon, Pallister stood alone, saying he would be leaving his position as Premier and is not seeking re-election. Pallister did not take any questions, despite leaving many such as when is he leaving, and will he continue on as the MLA for Fort Whyte.
Along with his silence, members of Manitoba's PC Party have been quiet. One day later, not one elected official under his leadership, excluding the party's president, has released any kind of personal statement.
Tom Wiebe, the president of Pallister's party, shared a statement on behalf of the party immediately after the announcement.
"I would like to thank Premier Pallister for all he has done for Manitobans. Since becoming leader, he worked tirelessly to build our party and unite us in our efforts," Wiebe says.
Statement from Tom Wiebe, President of the Progressive Conservative Party of Manitoba:
— PC Party of Manitoba (@PC_Manitoba) August 10, 2021
Earlier today I was notified by our party leader Brian Pallister that he will not seek re-election and will be stepping down as leader of our party. (1/4)#mbpoli #cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/SGk6Px6dQ8
Other parties have chimed in, including opposite leader Wab Kinew.
"Today - goodbye Mr. Pallister. Soon - goodbye PC government. The problems of the last few years weren’t just the fault of the Premier, they were the fault of the party that supported his decisions each step of the way," Kinew tweets.
The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs shared a statement, making it clear they would not be thanking Pallister for his time as premier.
"The AMC acknowledges that the Premier has moved in a direction that allows Manitoba and all Manitobans to move forward in this province in a direction towards true reconciliation." - AMC Grand Chief Arlen Dumas #FirstNations #Manitoba #Reconciliation #FirstNationCitizens pic.twitter.com/FOv08glKjp
— AMC (@AMCMBChiefs) August 10, 2021
Grand Chief Arlen Dumas says "while we as political leaders always attempt to thank outgoing leaders for their years of service, unfortunately, in this case, we at the AMC cannot."