Steinbach Mayor Earl Funk has announced council and citizen appointments for the coming year, marking the final set of appointments for the current council term.

At Tuesday’s organizational meeting, Funk reappointed Councillor Michael Zwaagstra as deputy mayor, noting his strong leadership and ongoing support.

“Up till now, Councillor Zwaagstra has been my deputy mayor,” Funk told council. “He’s done a very good job. Thank you, you’ve been great support and I’ve appreciated it. Most of the time, when I call him at six o’clock in the morning, he answers his phone.”

Zwaagstra will also continue to chair the RCMP Community Advisory Group, alongside Mayor Funk.

Committee and board appointments confirmed

Funk presented the following appointments:

Jake Epp Library Board

  • Citizen reappointments: Walter Fast and Cindy Friesen (two-year terms)

  • Council representative: Councillor Jac Siemens

Funk said the decision to reappoint Siemens followed positive feedback from the library board.

“I’ve been calling your board this week, and there’s a resounding desire to have you back,” Funk said. “They’ve all asked me to put you back as the member of council, so I have done that.”

Seine Rat Roseau River Watershed District

  • Councillor Bill Hiebert

RCMP Community Advisory Group

  • Councillor Michael Zwaagstra (chair)

  • Mayor Earl Funk

Steinbach Community Development Corporation

  • Citizen members: Jack Kehler and Keith Unger

  • Staff member: Troy Warkentin

  • Council representatives: Councillors Susan Penner and Damian Penner

Steinbach and R.M. of Hanover Joint Action Committee

  • Councillor Jac Siemens

Steinbach and R.M. of La Broquerie Joint Action Committee

  • Councillor Jake Hiebert

Eastman Regional Municipal Committee South Sub-Committee

  • Councillor Jac Siemens

Funk said the Eastman committee work continues to be an important part of building relationships across the region.

“Councillor Siemens is doing a great job there,” said Funk. “That board is a lot about relationships — with other municipalities, the province, our premier and MLAs — and he’s been building those relationships.”

Focus on doctor recruitment continues

Funk also took time during the meeting to recognize Councillor Susan Penner’s leadership in doctor recruitment and retention.

“Even though it’s not part of our mandate, it’s part of quality of life for our residents,” he said. “For what Susan has done and how she’s taking it on, I think she’s the best one to be there at that seat.”

Penner has been working with provincial departments, medical associations, and Southern Health to advocate for local health care needs.

“The outside world, the Manitoba world, is starting to see and hear the ideas that Steinbach has through Councillor Susan Penner and the traction that is getting,” Funk added.

Building on relationships and experience

Following the meeting, Funk reflected on how these appointments were shaped by the strengths of each councillor and feedback from community partners.

“It happens over time,” Funk said. “It’s through relationship. When you put a council member on a board and you start asking the board members how they’re doing, that’s the true test.”

He said it was clear that community organizations value consistency and strong representation.

“When it comes back, in Jac Sieman’s position, resounding, they want him back on the library board,” Funk. “I’m going to give them what they want.”

Funk added that the council’s mix of experience, business perspective, and community focus positions them well for the year ahead.

“I think it’s a great team and I think they all have a great job,” said Funk. “I think the appointments will suit them well.”

All appointments were ratified by council resolution.

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