Former Speaker Myrna Driedger Honoured with Legislative Portrait
WINNIPEG — The Manitoba Progressive Conservative Caucus congratulates former Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Myrna Driedger on the unveiling of her official Speaker’s portrait in the Legislature today.
“Whether you look at her work as Speaker, as an MLA, or as a lifelong advocate, Myrna’s passionate and unwavering dedication to Manitobans and our democracy could not be mistaken,” said Wayne Ewasko, Leader of the Official Opposition. “This is an extraordinary painting fit for an extraordinary person, and a wonderful tribute to the friend we all know and love.”
Driedger served as the Progressive Conservative MLA for Roblin (formerly Charleswood) from 1998 until her retirement following the 2023 provincial general election. She served as Speaker from 2016 through her 2023 departure.
The portrait was painted by renowned Canadian artist Andrew Valko. It will join many others in the Speakers Gallery of Portraits, located on the second floor in the southwest corner of the Manitoba Legislative Building.
“Seeing Myrna’s portrait hung in the Manitoba Legislature is a powerful reminder of her dedication and leadership to our constituency over the past 25 years,” said Roblin MLA Kathleen Cook, who now represents Driedger’s former constituents in Charleswood and Headingley. “She was an important mentor to me, a remarkable MLA and Speaker, and I am proud to honour her today.”
Among the legacy she leaves behind as Speaker, one of Driedger’s final projects in the Legislature was creating a dedicated space to showcase Indigenous art. The exhibit is located in the Golden Boy room of the Legislative Building and is open to the public.
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For media inquiries, please contact PCCaucus_Media@leg.gov.mb.ca
