Kinew in the crosshairs during Manitoba party leaders' debate as NDP surges in polls

Manitoba NDP Leader Wab Kinew faced a barrage of criticism from his opponents on Thursday night during the only televised debate of 2023 provincial election race — including shots in some questions that weren't even directed at him.

Liberal Leader Dougald Lamont used all his questions during the hour-long leaders' debate to grill Kinew on issues such as how he'd address violent crime and pay for his party's promises.

Progressive Conservative Leader Heather Stefanson, meanwhile, used two of her opportunities to ask Lamont pointed questions about Kinew — essentially using the Liberal leader to take swipes at her main opponent.

The debate comes a day after the release of two polls suggesting the NDP is leading the PCs in popular support.

For the most part, the leaders stuck to the talking points and promises they've trotted out throughout the election period.

WATCH | Party leaders make their opening statements:

Stefanson focused her statements on growing the economy and tackling the high cost of living, while Kinew talked about fixing the health-care system and Lamont argued neither of his opponents are worthy of Manitobans' votes, referring to both the PC and NDP plans as "fiscally delusional."

But the night did bring a few standout moments.

WATCH | Party leaders on how they'd tackle the major issues:

Health care:

Affordability and the economy:

Crime and safety:

In one question, Stefanson asked Lamont — not Kinew — about the effects of a provincial sales tax hike by an NDP government. Her party has, without evidence, been claiming for months the NDP would increase the PST if elected.

She later told reporters that strategy was simply a way to "make sure that Dougald Lamont had a chance to get up and let everyone and Manitobans know what he stands for," while Lamont said the PC leader raised important questions about the NDP, who he said have "been making it up as they go along."