Steinbach MLA, Kelvin Goertzen, has announced that he will not be seeking nomination for the next provincial election. The announcement comes after representing Steinbach for over 22 years.

Goertzen has released the following statement:

“It is with a heart filled with gratitude that I announce today that I will not be seeking re-election in the next provincial election.

In 2003 the residents of Steinbach and Hanover and Niverville gave me the greatest honour of my life, electing me to represent them in the Manitoba Legislature. Their continued support in the elections of 2007, 2011, 2016, 2019 and 2023 was humbling for me and my family.

I hope that my announcement today, more than two years into the current electoral mandate, gives those interested in seeking the PC nomination in Steinbach time to consider, time for the Party to plan, and time to transition with my successor.

For over 22 years I have been incredibly blessed to work with extraordinary people. Political staff rarely get the accolades they deserve, but I was fortunate to be able to see so many make a difference in the Legislature and in a multitude of roles beyond politics.

While serving in Cabinet in Manitoba, as Premier, Deputy Premier, Minister of Health and Seniors, Minister of Education, Training and Immigration, Minister of Legislative and Public Affairs and Minister of Justice and Attorney General, I was supported by professional, diligent and talented civil servants. I thank every one of them for their support.

During my time in office, I formed many friendships with Members on all sides of the House. I believe everyone seeks office to make a positive difference regardless of political party.

In particular, over 22 years I have been so fortunate to work with incredible men and women elected to the Progressive Conservative Caucus. I have learned from each of them and valued their advice.

I want to thank the current and past leadership of the PC Party of Manitoba that I was honoured to serve with. Stuart Murray and Hugh McFadyen were dedicated leaders of the opposition who made positive contributions to Manitoba. Brian Pallister and Heather Stefanson gave me their trust in some of the largest roles in government. Interim Leaders Bonnie Mitchelson and Wayne Ewasko stepped forward and supported the Party during challenging times.

Current PC Leader Obby Khan has become a good friend. I fully believe in the new vision and passion he is bringing to the PC Party and Caucus and I look forward to helping him succeed and being in attendance when he takes the oath of office as Premier of Manitoba. I will be cheering loudly!

In my constituency I have been supported for more than two decades by amazing volunteers who have helped out on campaigns and by serving on the Steinbach PC Board of Directors. These are people who always answered the call to help and whose only ask was to be part of making Manitoba a better place. They have been a greater support than they know.

At my constituency office I have been fortunate to have dedicated staff who helped constituents every day. They were a great assistance to me, but more than that they were committed to helping those who called the office seeking assistance. I am so grateful for their service and their friendship.

The residents of Steinbach, Hanover and Niverville, through their prayers, words of encouragement and electoral support, have always given me energy and inspiration. Together we have been able to accomplish many things. About a decade ago, I sat with municipal leaders to discuss a “to do” list for our region. Included on that list of important desired projects were:

  • New personal care home beds in Steinbach.
  • Dialysis services at Bethesda Hospital.
  • A new Event Centre to serve the region.
  • New operating rooms at Bethesda Hospital.
  • A new elementary school in Steinbach and expansions for Mitchell and Blumenort schools.
  • New medical and palliative care beds at Bethesda Hospital.
  • Improvements for Highway #12 and its intersections.

Today, these projects have been completed or, in the case of the Bethesda operating rooms and expansion, will open soon. It was an honour to play a role in each of these important projects.

As I said recently to local officials, it is time to create a new list. But I am also aware that it is time for someone else to dedicate the years needed to complete the new list of projects.

Most of all, I need to thank my entire family for their support. There are both challenges and rewards to public life. Unfortunately, family bears the brunt of the challenges while experiencing fewer of the rewards. My entire family has been a great support.

In particular, my wife Kim, through all my elected life, and my son Malachi, for 19 of those years, have been the greatest support imaginable. I simply could not have done this job without them and I would not have wanted to. They were truly partners in every step of my elected life. And while they both endured the sacrifices and public scrutiny that unfortunately comes with public life, they did so with grace and with resilience. They are my heroes.

I’ve often said that if I leave politics feeling grateful and with my family relationships strong, it will have been a success. Mission accomplished!

Finally, I want to say that I am grateful for God for the opportunities He has given me. Many people know my father died when I was only 11 from an addiction that took his life. We quickly moved into government housing and my Mother began, with resilience and determination, picking up the pieces of a shattered life and putting them back together. I could never have imagined that I would have the opportunities that I have been given in provincial politics. It is a testament to the greatness of Manitoba and the people who call it home.

I look forward to closing out this chapter by serving the people of the greatest constituency in Manitoba until the next provincial election.”