Keep in mind that the Manitoba NDP already has all four seats in northern Manitoba (two of which were gains) and they came surprisingly close in Dauphin and they have a history of winning the odd other non-Wpg seat such as Brandon East or Gimli or Selkirk (though the latter is now practically an exurb of Winnipeg).You're correct that the NDP has history in these areas. If this trend continues, the NDP era in these areas may also be "history." The NDP in Saskatchewan also has history in places like The Battlefords and Yorkton. How are those cities looking for the NDP these days?
Has the Manitoba NDP done anything comparable to the Saskatchewant NDP's decision in the 90s to close 75 hospitals? That decision went a long way to making the NDP unelectable outside of Saskatoon and Regina.
Smaller communities in Manitoba have had an ongoing challenge recruiting and retaining health professionals, as is the case in many smaller areas.