Derek Johnson was elected to his first term as the MLA for Interlake on April 19, 2016, and was re-elected in the newly-established riding of Interlake-Gimli in 2019 and 2023. In addition to his duties as MLA, he previously served as Minister of Agriculture and Minister of Municipal Relations, and currently serves as the House Leader and Critic for Seniors and Long-Term Care.

Derek was born and raised in Oak Point, where his family has resided for the past four generations. He now lives on the shores of Lake Manitoba with his wife Tara and their children, Skyler and Charmaine. Derek and his family love everything that the Interlake has to offer, from snowmobiling and curling in the winter to barbeques by the lake in the summer.

Prior to becoming an MLA, Derek served as a councillor for the R.M. of St. Laurent from 2010 to 2014. During his term on council, his responsibilities included finance, drainage, and emergency services. He also served on the board for the West Interlake Planning District. Derek earned a reputation as a positive, results-driven leader through his dedication to the R.M. during the unprecedented flood of 2011. In the aftermath of the flood, Derek lobbied for flood prevention infrastructure from the provincial government and worked hard to secure funds from the Manitoba Emergency Measures Organization. He later went on to serve area residents as a Financial Advisor and Assistant Branch Manager for a local financial institution.

As MLA, Derek has worked hard for the priorities of Interlake-Gimli, including enhanced flood protection infrastructure, a stronger healthcare system that meets the needs of rural communities, and tax relief to put more money back in the pockets of hard-working Manitobans.

A proud resident of the Interlake with deep local roots, Derek continues to put his experience in business and government to work for the people of Interlake-Gimli as their representative in the Manitoba Legislature.