Wab Kinew MLA is a Canadian political figure serving as the leader of the Manitoba New Democratic Party and the Opposition since September 16, 2017. Kinew currently represents Fort Rouge in the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. He previously worked as a musician, broadcaster, and university administrator, gaining recognition as a host on various programs aired on CBC Radio and CBC Television.
Bio/Wiki
Age- 41 years
Height- 1.75m
Weight-75kg (approx.)
Born- 31 December 1981
Birthplace-Ontario, Canada
Spouse-Lisa Monkman (m. 2014)
Profession-Politician, Actor, Musician, TV Presenter, Teacher
Nationality- Canadian
Party: New Democratic Party of Manitoba
Office: Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba since 2017
Family
Wabanakwut “Wab” Kinew, born on December 31, 1981, in Kenora, Ontario, is the son of Tobasonakwut Kinew, a former local and regional chief, as well as a professor of Indigenous governance at the University of Winnipeg, and Dr. Kathi Avery Kinew, who works as a policy analyst.
Wife and Children
In September 2016, Kinew tied the knot with Dr. Lisa Monkman, an Ojibway family physician working at an inner-city clinic. In May 2017, the couple celebrated the arrival of their son. Additionally, Kinew has two sons from a prior relationship.
Education
He attended Collège Béliveau, a French immersion school, and spent summers vacationing in Onigaming. He completed his high school education at the University of Winnipeg Collegiate, a private institution he praised as one of Winnipeg’s finest in a 2014 interview. Kinew furthered his education, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from the University of Manitoba. Later, he pursued a master’s degree in Indigenous governance.
Career
Career in Music
Following his stint with the hip-hop bands Slangblossom and the Dead Indians in the mid-2000s, Kinew ventured into his solo career as a rapper. He released his debut solo CD titled “Live by the Drum” in 2009, which garnered acclaim, winning an Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Award for Best Rap/Hip-Hop CD. His second album, “Mide-Sun,” followed in 2010.
Broadcasting and media Career
Kinew’s broadcasting career began when a letter he wrote to the editor about Team Canada hockey was published by the Winnipeg Free Press. A local CBC Radio producer, impressed by his writing, approached him to create and broadcast a documentary feature. In 2010, he was a finalist for the Future Leaders of Manitoba award, ultimately losing to Canadian filmmaker Adam Smoluk. Notable co-finalists included Olympic champion Jennifer Jones, radio personality David ‘Ace’ Burpee, Karuna (Andi) Sharma, artist Kal Barteski, and restaurateur Sachit Mehra.
Kinew worked as a reporter and host for CBC’s radio and television programs, including the weekly arts magazine show “The 204” in Winnipeg and the national documentary series “8th Fire” in 2012. He also appeared as a panelist on CBC Radio’s Canada Reain ds in 2014, defending Joseph Boyden’s novel “The Orenda,” which went on to win the competition. Additionally, he guest-hosted “Q” for two weeks in December 2014 and moderated the 2015 edition of Canada Reads.
Career in University administration
In 2011, Kinew was appointed as the inaugural Director of Indigenous Inclusion at the University of Winnipeg. Later, in 2014, following Jennifer Rattray’s resignation, he was promoted to the role of Associate Vice-President of Indigenous Relations. Additionally, he serves as an honorary witness for the Indian Residential Schools Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Kinew was honored with a doctorate degree from Cape Breton University on October 25, 2014.
Career in Writing
Kinew is the author of four books—The Reason You Walk, Go Show the World, Walking in Two Worlds, and The Everlasting Road—all published by Penguin Canada.
“The Reason You Walk” is a memoir capturing the events of 2012, a year in which Kinew endeavored to reestablish a connection with the Indigenous man who raised him. The book delves into Kinew’s perspective on various contentious issues from his past, including convictions linked to alcoholism, an incident involving the assault of a taxicab driver, and controversial lyrics from his music career.
Political Career
Kinew contemplated running for the leadership of the Assembly of First Nations in 2014 but chose not to due to his recent marriage. In 2016, he became an NDP candidate for Fort Rouge in the provincial election. Controversy arose over past misogynistic and anti-gay tweets, prompting apologies. He won the seat in 2016 and became NDP’s spokesperson for reconciliation and Critic for Education, Advanced Learning, and Training, and Housing and Community Development. In 2017, Kinew was elected leader of the Manitoba NDP, making history as the first elected First Nations leader of a major party in Manitoba. He successfully passed bills recognizing Orange Shirt Day and establishing Sikh Heritage Month. In 2019, he led the NDP into the provincial election, gaining 6 seats but falling short of a majority. In the 2023 election, the NDP campaigned on healthcare reform amid a competitive race.
Net Worth 2023
Wab Kinew’s estimated net worth is approximately $3 million.
Latest News about Wab Kinew
Wab Kinew Makes History: NDP Victory in Manitoba
The NDP secured a decisive victory on Tuesday night, solidifying Wab Kinew’s position as Manitoba’s first First Nations premier. The party’s win in Fort Rouge, led by NDP Leader Wab Kinew, ensured them at least 29 seats, granting them a majority government.
“This is a great victory for all of us in Manitoba,” Kinew said to thunderous applause at NDP campaign headquarters Tuesday night. “We can do amazing things when we stand together as one province.”
He expressed gratitude towards Heather Stefanson for her tenure as premier. Despite her contested race in Tuxedo, the PC leader announced her decision to step down from the party leadership, acknowledging the NDP’s victory.
Stefanson made history as Manitoba’s first female premier when she assumed office after Brian Pallister’s departure in the fall of 2021.
“Even though Mr. Kinew and I don’t always see eye to eye, I am aware of his deep affection for this province and its people,” Stefanson remarked.
“Wab, I hope your victory tonight motivates a new generation of Indigenous youth to engage in our democratic process, not just here in Manitoba, but all across the country.”
Following the Kirkfield Park byelection last year, the PCs held 36 seats, the NDP had 18, and the Liberals secured three seats — falling just short of official party status.
During the December byelection, former city councillor Kevin Klein emerged as the victor for the PCs. However, on Tuesday night, CBC projects indicated that NDP contender Logan Oxenham had won Kirkfield Park from Klein, who was a cabinet minister.
