Manitoba's NDP government says it's ready to consider more First Nations-run casinos

Manitoba's premier says he's open to the idea of establishing more First Nations-run casinos in the province, but wouldn't go all-in on the idea of opening one in Winnipeg. 

Wab Kinew said during a Wednesday press conference that while there's no specific plan in front of him, the province is looking to "have a conversation" about ideas for new casinos as part as part of a pathway to economic reconciliation with Indigenous people. 

"It's not really what we envision — it would be led by a proponent," the premier said during a fiscal update Wednesday.

"Whether it's Treaty One [Development Corporation] or a Westman First Nation, if we're talking about that part of the province, they would have to come forward and say, 'Here's a plan,' and then we'd take it from there." 

The premier didn't comment further on the possibility of a First Nation-run casino in Winnipeg, but didn't rule it out either, saying the province is willing to listen to proposals. 

The premier's statement comes a day after the province expressed an interest in allowing the expansion of gambling, which the former Progressive Conservative government paused in 2018. 

"The province has grown quite a bit since then, and so …we took the decision that we can lift this pause while still ensuring that we're being socially responsible with Liquor and Lotteries," Kinew said.

Manitoba will lift that pause gradually to support "economic reconciliation and local economic development while maintaining Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries' commitment to supporting the communities they serve," according to part of a mandate letter issued to the Crown corporation's new board chair, Jeff Traeger, on Tuesday. 

More details needed: PC MLA

Back in 2016, a faltering casino in The Pas owned by six Manitoba First Nations was denied a move to Winnipeg by the former PC government under premier Brian Pallister. 

And in 2017, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs filed a lawsuit against the government alleging the decision to approve the Shark Club Gaming Centre in downtown Winnipeg, while refusing to open a First Nations-owned casino in the city, cost First Nations millions of dollars in lost revenue. That statement of claim hasn't been tested in court. 

Progressive Conservative MLA Obby Khan said Wednesday when it comes to growing revenue in the province, things like possible gambling expansion "are all things you need to think about."

However, the Fort Whyte MLA said before his Opposition party can weigh in on the issue, the NDP needs to come forward on more details with what it would look like.   

Kinew also said Wednesday he'd like to see a "Liquor Mart-type location" near a new Costco store in development in Headingley. 

While selling alcohol is something Costco stores can do in other provinces, it's not something that can be done under Manitoba's current laws, which don't allow liquor to be sold in grocery stores. 

A bill proposed under the former Progressive Conservative government would have established a five-year pilot project to allow retailers like grocers or convenience stores to start selling liquor products.

However, it was blocked by the NDP, then in Opposition, earlier this year, which framed the legislation as a detriment to community safety.

Kinew said Wednesday any Liquor Mart expansion needs to balance economic drivers with social responsibility.

"We need to look at that economic development side, and I think Liquor & Lotteries has shown that they are an effective generator of revenue for government," he said.

"But crucially it has to be done in a socially responsible way."