Kelvin Goertzen

Steinbach MLA Kelvin Goertzen is in a period of transition as we head towards a fall provincial election. That's because the Steinbach riding has shrunk considerably for the upcoming vote.
The physical size of the riding was reduced through a process called redistribution because of population growth.

Steinbach riding boundaries for the coming election

Goertzen says he his wife Kim are currently having a tough time as they say a farewell of sorts to some areas. He tells us, "It's a difficult time actually in some ways. You grow attached to people and to communities over time. And, my wife Kim and I have grown to know a lot of people in the communities of Niverville, Tourond, Grunthal, Pansy and Sarto and now we have to say goodbye to them, not because we're not running for re-election but we're running for election in a riding that's changed and those communities are going to different areas."

Goertzen adds this also means changes in his campaign team as some supporters are now in other ridings. He says, "You do lose some campaigners who you got used to having in the different communities. They'll now be helping our other, hopefully Conservative, candidates. But, you know, this is a growing area and so there's always new people coming in and we make a conscious effort to try and get new people who are coming to the community involved in politics. And, I think you'll see that in my campaign that we're going to be reaching out to a lot of the new residents, some are new Canadians, and saying we want you to be part this process."

Goertzen adds, change can be difficult but it's also invigorating and it's good to get new people involved.