A number of MLAs from southeastern Manitoba have joined their colleagues in endorsing Heather Stefanson in her bid to become the next Premier of our province.
Last week, Premier Brian Pallister announced he will not seek re-election and that he will step down prior to the next election. However, no timeline for his departure was given.
On Wednesday of this week, long-time MLA Heather Stefanson announced she will run for the leadership position of the Progressive Conservatives. Her announcement was immediately endorsed by 24 MLAs. There are 36 members of the PC caucus, but that includes the Premier as well as Deputy Premier Kelvin Goertzen who can not endorse a candidate because of his position.
"I'm ecstatic about the fact that Heather Stefanson is putting her name forward," says Springfield-Ritchot MLA Ron Schuler, who says he has known Stefanson since the two were teenagers. "I've known her for all these years as being an individual of great integrity, she is a compromise-finder, she looks for consultation, she looks for good ideas, she's very good at leading."
"I find that her whole approach is what we need in today's environment," adds Schuler. "I'm just incredibly pleased that she's putting her name forward and absolutely one hundred per cent I support her in her leadership bid."
Schuler says she is always approachable, open to dialogue and open to new ideas and as a strong leader she inspires change. He notes her leadership style is comparable to that of Chancellor Angela Merkel.
The date for a leadership convention has not yet been announced but Schuler says he would like to see it happen as quickly as possible.
"We are facing a lot of storm clouds potentially in the future," he notes. "I would suggest we should have a leadership convention as soon as possible and have the contest out of the way and face the challenges that are coming at us."
Schuler says the date for the convention may be determined next week. And even though there is time for more candidates to step forward, Schuler did not need to wait to declare his endorsement.
"I've known her for so long and I know that she will be an outstanding leader of the party," he says. "She is going to be an amazing Premier."
Bob Lagasse, the MLA for Dawson Trail, also wasted little time in endorsing Stefanson. When Pallister first hinted at retirement, Lagasse says back then already he asked Stefanson if she would consider running.
"Because all my interactions with Heather have been extremely positive and I've found so far that she is very open and willing to listen to her colleagues and she's always kind of taken what I've had to say to heart and actually implemented some of the suggestions around child and family when she was that minister," he adds.
In making the announcement on Wednesday, Stefanson also noted that if elected leader, she will do away with Bill 64, intended to establish a new governance model for Kindergarten to Grade 12 education. Stefanson says she has heard from Manitobans concerning this controversial bill.
"It's that willingness to listen," says Lagasse. "I just find that's a good quality in a leader, one that's willing to listen and still make the tough decisions when needed to be made."
He adds it is her "proven track record," that nudged him to endorse a candidate so early on in the process.
The MLA for La Verendrye has also officially endorsed Stefanson.
"Heather has always treated me fairly, her door has always been open," says Dennis Smook. "She has always listened to me and she is a person that I think would make a great leader."
Smook says to have the immediate endorsement of 24 MLAs tells you that a lot of people respect her and are willing to help her out in this campaign.
"I know she had also mentioned that she would be withdrawing Bill 64," adds Smook. "That is something that a lot of people in this constituency have always asked about. So it shows that she is willing to listen to her constituents and the province."
Wed, May 8, 11:00 AM
Professionals, Finance, Administrative, Full-time
Featured
