Back in 2013 the NDP shocked many by announcing the PST would go up to 8% and Manitobans wouldn’t be given an opportunity to vote on the matter; a right people had under existing legislation.

The attack on taxpayers was a serious one…one that required leaders to step forward and speak out.

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation, CFIB and Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association got together and planned a rally against the tax increase. But before announcing the event, we reached out to organizations that we thought might be interested in jointly holding the rally with us.

Sadly, too many organizations turned down the offer and decided to sit on the sidelines. In some cases, it was somewhat understandable and we’re pleased that their reps helped out privately. But in many other cases, I believe too many “leaders” failed to lead.

Thankfully, there were a few individuals that did stand up. I’m not talking about people like me who are paid to speak out on these matters, but people with significant skin in the game.

Charles Adler from CJOB gladly accepted an invite to speak at the rally and Shadoe Davis and Nesta Matthews from 92 Citi FM agreed to emcee the event for us. All three risked offending some of their listeners – and perhaps even government bodies that advertise on their stations. After all, it’s well known the current government can play dirty with those who have conflicting views –just as the Jockey Club. Thankfully, the trio of speakers stood up for what they believed in and the rally was a success.

Fast-forward to the present day and it’s obvious that they, as well as the thousands of other Manitobans who spoke out, are on the right side of the issue.

Pundits agree that the NDP’s decision to raise the PST has gone over like a lead balloon. Polls conducted since the tax increase have consistently showed Selinger and the NDP behind in the count – so much so that Greg Selinger has lost control of his caucus and five cabinet ministers have thrown him under the bus.

Sure, they had no problem with the sales tax increase when they voted in favour of it, but now that it’s become clear that the ship is sinking and they too could go down, they’ve ditched him. Gone. Sayonara. “Greg who?” they're sheepishly asking.

The only problem is, Greg Selinger has survived…so far. His administration is essentially in the ICU and his mind is foggy from morphine and life support systems. (How else could you explain some of the roles he handed out in a recent cabinet shuffle?)

While the Selinger government’s prognosis looks extremely grim, we all know who gets the bill as it whittles away on life support day after day...after day. With any luck, the premier’s mind will clear just long enough for him to channel a zest for revenge, call the lieutenant governor and pull the plug on his own government.

If that doesn’t happen, at least it looks like we’re on the home stretch…and we’ll remember who was there when it counted most.

While I’ve tried to summarize the debacle that has unfolded in Manitoba over the past week and a half, Charles Adler did a much more eloquent job today on his show. I recommend taking a listen...here’s the link – https://soundcloud.com/thecharlesadlershow/adler-to-selinger-and-the