Definitions & Jargon

There are lots of terms that are associated with our national and provincial political system. For those new to our system, these terms should help get you going in your understanding in our system.

Association

The political parties in Manitoba are divided locally into different organizations called "Constituency Associations" based around the provincial Constituencies. An Association’s role is to fund-raise and campaign to get a PC MLA elected in their area.

Canvassing

Local campaigners will go round an area and knock on people’s doors to ask them if they will support the PC Party, or will ask them their opinion on a specific issue.

Constituency

A Constituency is simply an electoral district - a geographical area which is represented by a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for example. Federally in Canada they are usually called "Ridings", and in civic elections, the areas are called "Wards".

There is no formal or legal reason for using the term "Constituency", other than it is the term inheited from the British system. In the US the term used is "district", and federally in Canada the term "EDA" (Electoral District Association) is used by some parties.

GOTV

"Get Out The Vote": the actions a political campaign takes to ensure that all those who indicated support for a candidate go to the polling places and vote.

Grit

A nickname for a Liberal supporter. Also sometimes called "the Libs".

MLA

"Member of the Legislative Assembly", the person elected to the Manitoba legislature and who represents a constituency in Manitoba.

Tory

A nickname for a PC supporter.