Official Opposition MLAs Ready to Serve Manitobans
WINNIPEG — Twenty-two PC MLAs from across Manitoba were formally sworn in as the Official Opposition during a ceremony at the Legislature on Monday.
Leader Heather Stefanson committed the PC Caucus to hold Wab Kinew and his NDP government to account for their unrealistic promises—from building and staffing a dozen new medical facilities, to balancing the budget without raising taxes.
“As the Official Opposition, our duty is to ask tough questions and propose solutions that address Manitoba’s biggest challenges,” Stefanson said. “Families are struggling to pay their mortgages and keep food on the table. We will continue representing Manitobans, ensuring that their voices are heard in the Legislature, and holding the NDP accountable.”
The PC Caucus includes eight experienced former cabinet ministers: Kelvin Goertzen (Steinbach), Doyle Piwniuk (Turtle Mountain), Wayne Ewasko (Lac du Bonnet), Derek Johnson (Interlake-Gimli), Jeff Wharton (Red River North), Greg Nesbitt (Riding Mountain), Ron Schuler (Springfield-Ritchot), and Obby Khan (Fort Whyte). Josh Guenter (Borderland), Bob Lagassé (Dawson Trail), and Rick Wowchuck (Swan River) bring further legislative experience.
Ten new MLAs also join caucus, bringing a wide range of fresh experience in various sectors including agriculture, business, policing, and local government: Jodie Byram (Agassiz), Wayne Balcaen (Brandon West), Konrad Narth (La Verendrye), Trevor King (Lakeside), Lauren Stone (Midland), Carrie Hiebert (Morden-Winkler), Jeff Bereza (Portage la Prairie), Kathleen Cook (Roblin), Richard Perchotte (Selkirk), and Grant Jackson (Spruce Woods).
MLA critic portfolios will be announced in the coming days, said Caucus Chair Ron Schuler.
“We have an exceptional group of MLAs, new faces and experienced leaders passionate about their communities, with the expertise needed to hold Wab Kinew accountable for his decisions, which will impact all Manitobans,” Schuler said. “There are challenging times ahead and a strong Official Opposition is essential. We are ready to get to work.”
Additionally, Braeden Jones, who served as an advisor to both Premiers Stefanson and Brian Pallister, has been appointed Chief of Staff of the PC Caucus. Duncan Hamilton, a former advisor and assistant to several federal and provincial Conservative cabinet ministers, will serve as Deputy Chief of Staff. Cameron Eason is Director of Communications.
The renewed PC Caucus will be prepared to serve as the Official Opposition when the house is recalled.
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For media inquiries, please contact: pccaucus@leg.gov.mb.ca