Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew sticks to French for third day in legislature

Manitoba’s premier spoke almost exclusively in French for the third consecutive day in the legislature.

It’s an unusual move for Wab Kinew, but one that is welcomed by the province’s francophone community.

Derrek Bentley, president of the Société de la francophonie manitobaine, says hearing leaders speak in French is an important part of making the language visible.

Kinew’s decision does not affect legislature members who don’t speak French, as they can access real-time translations.

His decision coincides with Konrad Narth becoming leader of the Opposition Tories, and echoes back to a confrontation during question period in May, when Narth took issue with Kinew responding in French to a question asked in English.

Narth later apologized, while Kinew says there should be nothing noteworthy about him answering questions in one of the province’s two official languages.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 7, 2026.