ManitobaJust over a week out from the Elmwood–East Kildonan byelection, seven candidates are canvassing doorsteps with promises to tackle crime, fix roads and restore community programs — but the contest is also being shaped by the question of who would be best to replace the man who previously held the seat.Endorsements from friends, family and allies of former councillor split among crowded field of candidatesCameron MacLean · CBC News · Posted: Oct 17, 2025 9:27 PM EDT | Last Updated: 3 hours agoThere is just over one week to go in the Elmwood-East Kildonan byelection. (Trevor Brine/CBC)Just over a week out from the Elmwood–East Kildonan byelection, seven candidates are canvassing doorsteps with promises to tackle crime, fix roads and restore community programs — but the contest is also being shaped by the question of who would be best to replace the man who previously held the seat.The race was triggered by the sudden death of Coun. Jason Schreyer in April. Schreyer, often an outsider at city hall, never served on executive policy committee and was often critical of the mayor and his inner circle. He also had a background in labour and social democratic politics — his father is former NDP premier Ed Schreyer. Now, endorsements from Schreyer’s family, friends and allies are divided among the crowded field of candidates, leaving voters to decide who is best positioned to carry his work forward.Mynarski Coun. Ross Eadie, who called Schreyer his “brother” and said they often worked hand in hand across their wards, which straddle the Red River, has thrown his support behind Carmen Prefontaine, a longtime city employee and union volunteer.“She reflects many of the same principles as Coun. Schreyer,” Eadie said.“She’s somewhat of a social democrat,” believing government should provide good services to everybody, while the costs of services should be based on one’s ability to pay, he said.Carmen Prefontaine received the endorsement of Mynarski Coun. Ross Eadie. (Bartley Kives/CBC)Prefontaine — who has worked 16 years for the City of Winnipeg in the safety, health and wellness division, and previously served as vice-president of Canadian Union of Public Employees — says she’s seen first-hand how poor planning costs taxpayers. She points to millions spent on firefighter overtime that the United Firefighters of Winnipeg says could have funded dozens of permanent hires.“There is no reason there are not more funds for front-line services because we are just planning badly at city hall.”Competing endorsementsSchreyer’s family has endorsed Chris Sweryda, who served as his executive assistant from 2022 until Schreyer’s death. Sweryda, a law graduate and career advisor at Elmwood High School, says Schreyer urged him to run.“He saw me as somebody that cared a lot about the people in the community and … that could do very in-depth research,” Sweryda said at a campaign launch event on Oct. 9.
ElmwoodEast Kildonan byelection shaping up as contest over Jason Schreyers legacy
