WINNIPEG, October 3, 2025: Dozens of demonstrators gathered outside the Manitoba Legislative Building on Wednesday, calling for the removal of Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine from Premier Wab Kinew’s cabinet. The protest coincided with the opening day of the fall legislative session and included participation from opposition lawmakers who echoed the demands for Fontaine’s resignation.
The demonstration, organized under the banner “Nahanni Must Go,” was held in response to a series of public controversies involving the minister. Protesters held signs and chanted slogans calling for accountability and leadership changes. Organizers submitted more than 450 emails to the provincial legislature from residents across Manitoba urging Premier Kinew to dismiss Fontaine.
Fontaine has come under scrutiny in recent months for a number of public statements. In July, she reposted a social media message referencing the killing of American political commentator Charlie Kirk, stating that she had “no empathy for people like that.” The post was later deleted and followed by a public apology from Fontaine, but it prompted significant backlash from critics and community groups.
In a separate incident, Fontaine was recorded on a hot microphone during a June event commenting that an American Sign Language interpreter “should not have been on stage.” That remark, also followed by an apology, drew criticism from disability advocates and opposition legislators. Amid growing calls for her resignation, Fontaine’s Winnipeg constituency office was recently vandalized. Police have opened an investigation into the incident.
Premier Wab Kinew defends decision to retain Fontaine
No arrests have been made and no suspects have been publicly identified. Premier Kinew referenced the vandalism while defending his minister during the opening of the legislative session. Standing firmly behind Fontaine, Kinew told the legislature on Wednesday that she would remain in cabinet. He described her as a capable minister and dismissed the campaign for her removal as politically motivated.
He also condemned the acts of vandalism against Fontaine and another cabinet member, Minister of Housing, Addictions and Homelessness Bernadette Smith, whose office was also damaged earlier this month. Progressive Conservative opposition leader Obby Khan criticized Kinew’s response during question period and urged the premier to take action. Khan said Fontaine’s repeated conduct undermines her role as a senior government official and called for her immediate removal from cabinet.
He said his party had formally submitted the emails from Manitobans seeking her resignation. Kinew and members of his cabinet have not indicated any plans to reassign or dismiss Fontaine. Speaking to reporters, Fontaine said she would not step down and reaffirmed her commitment to her role and constituents. She did not comment on the protest directly but said she remained focused on her ministerial responsibilities.
Legislature expected to continue debate on issue
The controversy adds tension to the fall session of the legislature, where policy priorities on affordability, housing and social services are expected to dominate debate. While the Families Minister remains in her position, opposition parties have signaled that they intend to continue raising the issue in the days ahead. Wednesday’s rally marks one of the most visible public demonstrations against a sitting Manitoba cabinet minister in recent years.
Security was present at the legislature throughout the event, and no incidents were reported. The legislative session is scheduled to continue through the fall, with multiple hearings and debates planned on social development and community welfare initiatives led by Fontaine’s department. – By Content Syndication Services.