WINNIPEG – Recent opinion polls show Manitoba premier Wab Kinew riding high but experts in politics say it is still very early.

University of Manitoba political scientist Paul Thomas says he thinks the first real test will come in the new year when the budget is delivered.

Royce Koop, who teaches political studies at U of M, says expectations are high given the NDP’s campaign promises.

Kinew will have to keep his promises to boost health care, improve education and give raises to public sector workers all while dealing with the province’s hefty deficit.