NDP Launches Investigation into Progressive Conservatives’ Property Sale
Manitoba’s New Democratic Party has urged the province’s elections commissioner to probe the Progressive Conservatives’ plan to channel proceeds from the sale of their former headquarters directly to the party as income.
The property, located at 23 Kennedy St. just east of the Manitoba Legislature grounds, is currently listed for $800,000. This 114-year-old structure, historically known as the Reid House, functioned as the PC party’s headquarters from the 1970s through 2025, according to records from the Manitoba Historical Society.
Ownership and Donation Intent
Provincial property and corporate records show the home is held by Nocorp Investments Ltd., with Keith LaBossiere and Mike Watson identified as shareholders. In late 2024, Progressive Conservative Leader Obby Khan described Nocorp as a trust set up to donate the full proceeds from any property sale to the party.
NDP’s Allegations of Illegal Contribution
In a letter dated January 30, NDP secretary Evan Krosney requested that Elections Commissioner Bill Bowles examine the arrangement. He argued that corporate donations to political parties are prohibited under Manitoba law, and routing sale proceeds from a registered business corporation to the Progressive Conservative Party would amount to an illegal contribution.
“Transferring proceeds of the sale from a registered business corporation to the Progressive Conservative Party would clearly constitute an illegal contribution,” Krosney stated in the letter.
The NDP supported its position with a legal opinion from attorney Greg Bartel. Bartel highlighted that the PCs’ latest financial statement reported only $91,000 in assets, raising questions about potential misreporting or an intent to accept a banned contribution. He also pointed out that the maximum allowable individual donation to a party in Manitoba stands at $5,000.
PC Party’s Response
Jon Lovlin, spokesperson for PC Leader Khan, indicated that the party received the NDP’s letter on Friday and plans to reply to Elections Manitoba at the appropriate time.
