Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew seeks dismissal of defamation suit

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew and two New Democratic Party (NDP) MLAs, Billie Cross and Mike Moyes, are seeking to have a defamation lawsuit dismissed. The suit was filed by Mark Wasyliw, a former NDP member who was removed from the governing caucus in September 2024.

Wasyliw alleges that Kinew, Cross, and Moyes conspired to defame him using false and reckless statements during his expulsion. The allegations include claims that Kinew suggested Wasyliw lacked integrity due to his professional affiliations as a defense lawyer, and that Cross and Moyes made disparaging remarks regarding his conduct and character.

In a statement of defense, the defendants argue that the lawsuit ‘lacks substantial merit’ and deny that the removal from caucus was unjustified or that any defamatory statements were made. The defendants maintain that discussions regarding Wasyliw’s legal practice had been ongoing within the caucus since early 2023.