Manitoba Provincial Election - Page 59

Biff · #**1161** Posted **Sep 19, 2024, 7:05 PM**

To me it was a terrible blunder on the government to use that as their excuse.

borkborkbork · #**1162** Posted **Sep 19, 2024, 8:37 PM**

Counterpoint: None of these ethical dilemmas or concerns about the accused's rights would have the slightest relevance if he had left his law practice as he pledged to do during the campaign.

I mean, it's clear that he's going to keep on taking on clients (Robin Kipling, the drunk-driving WPS cop) and his firm is going to keep on taking on clients (Peter Nygard) that are going to be embarrassing for the party.

So, they're gonna have to spend a lot of energy defending him and the party from the usual tough-on-crime crowd.

And for what? A guy who's going to rail against his party's leader at just about every opportunity, and who's obviously dispositionally unfit for cabinet? Who makes public statements about being an MLA being a part-time job?

This guy's gonna be a liability, the party knows it, they're gonna have to turf him at some point. Now is easier than later. They can groom a strong candidate in Fort Rouge and the next election is still a long time off.

As for the stories about the shock and horror of the Manitoba legal community, remember that the main body trying to make a story of this is the Criminal Defence Lawyer Association of Manitoba -- whose president is Wasilyw's business partner.

EdwardTH · #**1163** Posted **Sep 19, 2024, 9:25 PM**

^ All true but still a huge fumble by the party. Why didn't they just say he's still working as a lawyer and he can't be a part-time MP? No one on either side of the aisle is going to think that's controversial but instead they opened up this whole can of worms for no apparent reason.

borkborkbork · #**1164** Posted **Sep 19, 2024, 10:14 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by EdwardTH

^ All true but still a huge fumble by the party. Why didn't they just say he's still working as a lawyer and he can't be a part-time MP? No one on either side of the aisle is going to think that's controversial but instead they opened up this whole can of worms for no apparent reason.

Cynically: Because they want to make it a story about how they're not soft on crime, not about MLAs who have businesses on the side... for obvious reasons

https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/br...t-violated-act

Stormer · #**1165** Posted **Sep 19, 2024, 10:16 PM**

He was not a cabinet minister. In Canada this is an important distinction. I would suggest that most provincial MLAs in Canada continue with other work including small businesses, farmers, professionals. An MLA with a law practice should not be expected to completely give up his law practice. Scale back significantly, sure.

Regarding partners of lawyer MLAs representing people you don't like, where do you draw the line? If someone in the law firm represents an oil company or a bank, is that enough to be kicked out of the NDP caucus?

OTA in Winnipeg · #**1166** Posted **Sep 19, 2024, 11:45 PM**

^He was in the caucus therefore a part of the government. As he was not in the cabinet he made around $106,000 a year. When you run to be an MLA, $106,000 should be enough. If it's not, then don't run for office.

Because here's the thing. If you are a member of the government you represent the Crown. If you are a representative of the Crown you really shouldn't be challenging the same Crown in court. This is what defense lawyers do. That is a serious conflict of interest.

I agree the government's position on this is pretty lame but nonetheless, he shouldn't be doing both under any circumstances.

Just to add. Those in cabinet make another $58,000 a year ($164,000) which I think is what this guy wanted, but don't expect to get the Minister of Justice position just because you're a lawyer.

Johnny199r · #**1167** Posted **Sep 20, 2024, 3:58 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by OTA in Winnipeg

^He was in the caucus therefore a part of the government. As he was not in the cabinet he made around $106,000 a year. When you run to be an MLA, $106,000 should be enough. If it's not, then don't run for office.

Because here's the thing. If you are a member of the government you represent the Crown. If you are a representative of the Crown you really shouldn't be challenging the same Crown in court. This is what defense lawyers do. That is a serious conflict of interest.

I agree the government's position on this is pretty lame but nonetheless, he shouldn't be doing both under any circumstances.

Just to add. Those in cabinet make another $58,000 a year ($164,000) which I think is what this guy wanted, but don't expect to get the Minister of Justice position just because you're a lawyer.

He's a brat who threw a tantrum when he didn't get to be justice minister. He couldn't live with making 100k a year instead of the extra money that comes form being in cabinet.

The government looks foolish for citing who his defence lawyer colleague represents as the reason for tossing him. They should have just said he's a brat with a poor attitude that can't get along with others.

Everyone looks bad in this situation.

cheswick · #**1168** Posted **Sep 20, 2024, 2:20 PM**

Not surprisingly, law groups across Canada denouncing NDPs decision.

https://globalnews.ca/news/10765548/...d-backbencher/

pspeid · #**1169** Posted **Sep 20, 2024, 2:34 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by cheswick

Not surprisingly, law groups across Canada denouncing NDPs decision.

https://globalnews.ca/news/10765548/...d-backbencher/

Lawyers showing manufactured outrage? Unheard of!

Seriously they should 1) learn more about the issue than the first headline 2) realize it was a blunder rather than a serious attack on the legal system and 3) stop grandstanding and worry about the behaviour of their fellow lawyer at the centre of the issue...

...BUT, tribalism always seems to win out in these cases. Wasyliw apparently exhibited crummy behaviour and a total lack of respect for his position as an MLA, but he's a fellow lawyer.