View From the Legislature

Every ten years the electoral boundaries of Manitoba constituencies need to be reviewed to ensure each of the 57 constituencies have, with some variation allowed, approximately equal number of Manitobans living within them. This is a process that is governed through legislation and which is done independent of political interference. Unlike in many other countries, the changes are made through an independent commission which does not include elected representatives who have a vested interest in the outcome.

Because population can change significantly within the province or in individual regions during a decade, often constituency boundaries can change dramatically as well. For the Steinbach constituency, the boundary changes that have occurred during recent reviews have resulted in the constituency getting smaller geographically as the populations in each of the communities has grown. During the previous review in 2008, the communities of Grunthal and Niverville were moved to different electoral districts. The most recent review, which was released just before Christmas, has redrawn the constituency such that following the next election, Kleefeld and New Bothwell and surrounding area will no longer be within the Steinbach constituency.

For elected officials, these redistributions are, while necessary, often unsettling. Losing a community that you have represented and made connections in is difficult. That has been my experience as I have greatly enjoyed representing each of the communities I have been fortunate enough to be elected to be the MLA for. However, with population growth in every area of the southeast, these changes are simply inevitable.

With the new boundaries for the next provincial election now known, political parties can go about the process of selecting their candidates for the various constituencies. This past week, I was again honoured to be nominated to represent the Steinbach constituency as the Progressive Conservative candidate in the next election, which is expected to be held by October 2020.

While the constituency has undergone a number of changes over the past many years, one thing has not changed – the tremendous people who call it home. Year after year the region is recognized for its generosity that is demonstrated both in charitable giving and in encouragement.

My wife and son and I have been able to experience first hand just how remarkable this region is to represent and I feel honoured to have the opportunity to stand for election again. I have been fortunate to enjoy a strong relationship with municipal and federal officials in the region and appreciate the cooperation that comes as a result of that relationship.

While the constituency will again be changing in terms of its boundaries after the next election, until then I look forward to serving the residents within the current configuration and as always appreciate your ideas and suggestions.