The Progressive Conservative Party of Manitoba has announced the date for its leadership vote.
President Brent Pooles says the party's next leader will be selected on April 26, 2025. He also announced that Brad Zander will serve as the party's Leadership Committee Chair, overseeing the implementation of the leadership race.
Zander is a lawyer with expertise in corporate and commercial law. The PC Party says he has extensive experience advising boards of directors and management on corporate governance matters. Zander has served on numerous public boards in Manitoba, including Brandon University and the Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Authority. He was an advisor on Scott Gillingham's successful 2022 civic election campaign and member of the then Mayor-elect's transition team. He is Manitoba's elected representative on the national constitution committee of the Conservative Party of Canada.
"I'm thrilled and honoured to be a part of this process of renewal and optimism," says Zander. "It is my pledge to both the members of the PC Party and all Manitobans that the Leadership Committee will ensure all aspects of this contest will be held to the highest standards of fairness and transparency. I look forward to helping facilitate a grassroots process that engages with existing and new members from across the province."
Pooles says this leadership contest is integral to shaping the party for the future, adding he has full confidence that Zander and his team will ensure this process goes smoothly and allows for grassroots members to have ample opportunities to discuss and debate ideas, policies and a new direction.
The Leadership Committee will announce further details about the leadership contest in the coming weeks.
In January, Lac du Bonnet MLA Wayne Ewasko was elected Interim Leader by the Conservative Caucus.