Sometime in the next few weeks a provincial election will be called to be held on October 4th. While I will be seeking re-election in the Steinbach Constituency, the boundaries of the constituency are changing and there are a number of areas which will no longer be part of the Steinbach Constituency.
As a result, I will not be seeking re-election in the communities of Grunthal, Pansy, Sarto, Niverville, Tourond and some nearby areas. The change in boundaries to constituencies, which is done every 10 years in Manitoba, can sometimes be confusing for residents who have grown accustomed to being part of a particular electoral area.
It can also be disappointing and difficult for elected representatives who have met many of the residents and learned the various issues in communities which are then moved into a different constituency. That is very much the feeling I have toward the communities which will no longer be part of the Steinbach Constituency and which I will not be seeking re-election in.
Over the past 8 years, my wife Kim and I have felt very humbled and grateful for the support that we have received in each of these communities. We met many new people who we now consider our friends. Along the way, we were able to attend many different community events, business openings, church functions, fundraisers and personal celebrations such as birthdays, weddings and anniversaries. We enjoyed attending each one of these events and we thank you for making us feel welcome.
While the constituency boundaries are changing and there will be new provincial representation in the areas mentioned after the election, we look forward to continuing friendships and visiting these communities often. Most of all, we want to say thank you for the confidence you put in us and for your support. It has been a true honour to represent you in the Manitoba Legislature.
Constituency Office During Election
Each week, many constituents contact my Steinbach constituency office (located in Unit #3 at 227 Main Street in Steinbach) for a number of different reasons related to the provincial government. This office is open 5 days a week and is there to serve local residents. During elections however, rules that are established by the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba indicate that these offices must be closed until the election is over.
As a result, once a provincial election officially begins, MLA constituency offices will be closed. However, we will be retrieving phone messages that are left during this time as well as picking up mail.
Until the election is officially called however, the office is still open every day to 4 p.m. except on holidays and weekends.
