Obby Khan and Wally Daudrich, the two candidates for leadership of Manitoba’s Progressive Conservative opposition, made their respective pitches to members Wednesday evening at a forum hosted by the party.

Khan, a former minister backed by prominent conservatives including former Prime Minister Kelvin Goertzen, has presented himself as best prepared to take the reins because of his tenure in the legislature since winning a by-election in 2022.

“I have a ton of energy. I’m in the Legislature. I’m ready to hit the ground running on day one,” Khan told conservatives gathered in a hotel conference room.

“And this legislature is no joke. It’s a machine when it comes to question period, when it comes to bills and resolutions.”

Daudrich, a longtime party board member who ran unsuccessfully in federal office, told the crowd he wanted to repair the party’s relationship with grassroots members and focus the party on conservative principles.

“Small government, knowing how to spend a dollar frugally and staying in touch with our people, those are principles,” he said in response to a question about what ideas the party should embrace.

The two men have a lot in common: both are business owners and the sons of immigrants.

But they differ on some policies.

Daudrich says conservatives can be more fiscally and socially conservative. He told reporters he was pro-life, but would let rank-and-file members set policy on that and other issues.

Khan said he could build a “big tent” party that could attract people of different political persuasions. He told reporters Wednesday evening that he supports a day of transgender recognition.

“I know what it means, as a minority, to have a day that recognizes you…so I support this day,” said Khan, the first Muslim elected to the Manitoba legislature.

Khan was not present in the House for a vote last spring on creating a provincial day of recognition for two-spirit and transgender people. He was at a doctor’s appointment, he said. The bill passed with the support of most politicians. Four conservatives voted against.

The Progressive Conservatives are seeking to replace former premier Heather Stefanson, who announced her intention to resign following the party’s October 2023 election loss to the NDP.

Daudrich was part of the team behind Shelly Glover, who narrowly lost the last leadership race to Stefanson and unsuccessfully challenged the results in court.

Daudrich and Khan did not confront each other during the forum Wednesday evening. They took turns sitting on a stage, answering questions from a moderator and the audience.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published October 30, 2024.