What Is 33rd Legislative Assembly of Manitoba

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 33rd Legislative Assembly of Manitoba was the provincial legislature that convened after the 2023 Manitoba general election, beginning on September 13, 2023. It consists of 57 Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) elected under a first-past-the-post system.

Key Facts

The 33rd Assembly began on September 13, 2023, following the provincial election on October 3, 2023
There are 57 seats in the Manitoba Legislative Assembly
The Progressive Conservative Party won 22 seats, becoming the Official Opposition
The New Democratic Party (NDP) won 34 seats, forming a majority government
Wab Kinew became Premier of Manitoba on October 18, 2023, leading the first Indigenous-led provincial government in Canadian history

Overview

The 33rd Legislative Assembly of Manitoba represents the current governing body of the Canadian province following the general election held on October 3, 2023. This assembly marks a significant political shift, with the New Democratic Party (NDP) securing a majority government after years of Progressive Conservative leadership.

The assembly convenes at the Manitoba Legislative Building in Winnipeg and is responsible for passing provincial legislation, approving budgets, and overseeing government operations. Each of the 57 electoral districts elected one Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) using the first-past-the-post voting system.

General Election Date: The election was held on October 3, 2023, determining the composition of the 33rd Assembly.
First Sitting: The assembly officially convened for the first time on September 13, 2023, preceding the election due to procedural timing.
Majority Government: The NDP won 34 of 57 seats, allowing them to form a stable majority government without coalition support.
Official Opposition: The Progressive Conservative Party became the Official Opposition with 22 seats after losing government.
Historic Leadership:Wab Kinew, leader of the NDP, became Premier on October 18, 2023, making him the first First Nations person to lead a Canadian province.

How It Works

The Legislative Assembly operates under a Westminster-style parliamentary system, where elected MLAs debate legislation, question ministers, and vote on provincial matters. The term length and procedural rules are defined by Manitoba’s constitutional conventions and election laws.

Term: The maximum term for a Legislative Assembly in Manitoba is five years under the Constitution Act, though elections can be called earlier. The 33rd Assembly is expected to serve until 2027, barring early dissolution.
Session Schedule: The assembly typically holds sessions in spring and fall, with April and October being key legislative months for budget debates and policy reviews.
Speaker Role: The Speaker, elected by MLAs, presides over debates, maintains order, and ensures adherence to parliamentary procedures during sittings.
Committee System: Standing committees, such as the Standing Committee on Finance and Government Operations, review bills in detail and hear public input before legislation advances.
Bill Passage: A bill must pass through three readings in the assembly and receive royal assent from the Lieutenant Governor to become law.
Question Period: Held daily during sessions, this 45-minute period allows MLAs to directly question cabinet ministers on government policies and actions.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 33rd Legislative Assembly with the previous two assemblies in terms of party composition and leadership:

Assembly	Years Active	Majority Party	Seats Held	Premier
31st	2016–2019	Progressive Conservative	40 of 57	Heather Stefanson
32nd	2019–2023	Progressive Conservative	36 of 57	Heather Stefanson
33rd	2023–present	New Democratic Party	34 of 57	Wab Kinew
Change in Seats (NDP)	+13	From 21 to 34	Net gain	N/A
Change in Seats (PC)	-14	From 36 to 22	Net loss	N/A

This table illustrates a notable reversal in political fortunes, with the NDP regaining power after a single term in opposition. The 33rd Assembly reflects growing voter support for progressive policies, particularly in urban centers like Winnipeg. The reduced PC seat count signals a shift in rural and suburban voter alignment, possibly influenced by leadership changes and policy debates on healthcare and education.

Why It Matters

The 33rd Legislative Assembly has significant implications for Manitoba’s governance, policy direction, and national political landscape. Its composition and leadership represent a historic milestone for Indigenous representation and progressive governance in Canada.

Indigenous Leadership: Wab Kinew’s premiership marks the first time a First Nations leader has headed a provincial government in Canadian history.
Policy Priorities: The NDP government has prioritized affordable housing, with a $500 million investment announced in the 2024 budget.
Healthcare Reform: The assembly passed initial measures to reduce surgical backlogs, targeting a 20% reduction by 2025.
Climate Action: Manitoba committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30% below 2005 levels by 2030.
Education Investment: The government introduced free tuition for low-income students at public colleges and universities starting in 2024.
Transparency Initiatives: The assembly launched a public dashboard to track 100-day promises, enhancing government accountability.

As the 33rd Assembly progresses, its legislative output and public engagement will shape Manitoba’s social and economic trajectory for years to come. Its focus on inclusivity, sustainability, and fiscal responsibility sets a precedent for other provinces.