Opponents of the province’s contentious education bill are keeping a close eye on the Progressive Conservative leadership race.

The first candidate to step forward was quick to point out Bill 64 isn’t something Manitobans want, and Heather Stefanson says she would scrap the legislation if she becomes leader and Premier.

“The legislation was introduced last spring, and we stopped for the summer and we went out and were listening to our constituents and I think we are hearing loud and clear they don’t want us to move forward with Bill 64. This is indicative of how we can work together by listening to our constituents and taking a collaborative approach," said Stefanson.

Stefanson says that doesn’t mean new legislation wouldn’t be introduced, because she feels education reform is needed.

“We would go back to the K to 12 Education Commission Report, look at it and see how we could move forward with reform I think Manitobans want.”

The timing of any new legislation wouldn’t be rushed. Stefanson says they need to go out and listen to Manitobans, get feedback from Caucus because they represent their constituents, and she adds they need to listen to those people.