Former Manitoba minister and councillor Kevin Klein enters Winnipeg mayoral race

Kevin Klein changed his mind about running for Winnipeg mayor after what he described as a wave of messages from residents urging him to enter the race.

Klein told 680 CJOB on Tuesday that he had received emails, online messages and texts after saying on Aug. 19 that he would not run. “After I was on your show, I had so many people reach out with emails and messages online, and texts from people I know just saying, ‘Look, reconsider. We really need you to run for mayor,’” he said.

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After I was on your show, I had so many people reach out with emails and messages online, and texts from people I know just saying, ‘Look, reconsider. We really need you to run for mayor,’

He said those residents did not believe Winnipeg had improved during the past four years. If elected, Klein said he would focus on improving transit, reducing crime and making the city more affordable. He plans to release a platform covering issues including encampments and property taxes over the next few weeks.

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They don’t believe the city is better after four years. They think we’re in worse shape than we were before.

Klein also accused incumbent Mayor Scott Gillingham of placing new, hidden taxes on taxpayers, including a garbage collection tax. “He hasn’t kept his promises. It’s as clear as that,” Klein said.

Gillingham, who has declared his intention to seek re-election, responded by calling Klein a “toxic mayoral candidate.” He accused Klein of constant attacks and personal criticism, and said electing him would risk closing doors to cooperation with the federal and Manitoba governments. Gillingham also referred to Klein’s former work connected to Peter Nygard, the founder of the now-defunct Winnipeg-based fashion company. Klein called the mayor’s statement “incredibly childish” and said it was “playing into dirty politics.”

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He hasn’t kept his promises. It’s as clear as that.

Klein represented Charleswood-Tuxedo-Westwood on city council from 2018 to 2022 and placed third in his previous mayoral campaign. He later served as the Progressive Conservative MLA for Kirkfield Park from December 2022 to September 2023. He is now president and CEO of the company that has owned the Winnipeg Sun since 2024. Eleven candidates were registered in the race, while Klein had not yet formally registered.

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toxic mayoral candidate