A provincial byelection has been called for voters in the Spruce Woods electoral division to choose a new MLA with election day slated for mid-August.
On Tuesday, August 26th residents of Spruce Woods will be casting their vote between the three candidates, Colleen Robbins representing the PC party of Manitoba, Stephen Reed for the Liberal party of Manitoba ... and new to the race, NDP candidate Ray Berthelette.
Advance voting begins August 16.
The announcement of Berthelette joining the race was made last week Thursday, the day before Premier Wab Kinew announced the byelection date.
Berthelette is a former correctional officer and lifelong advocate for the Westman Region.
"Over the years, I’ve held a variety of roles," shares Berthelette. "I started as a correctional officer and later transferred to Thompson, where I worked as an activation officer. That’s when I got involved with health and safety and the Manitoba Government Employees Union. Eventually, that path brought me back to Brandon, where I became a staff representative for the United Food and Commercial Workers, working with Maple Leaf and Safeway Superstore."
"After retiring from that role, I realized I wasn’t quite ready to retire," he adds. "So, I became a realtor for over eight years. During that time, I also helped Minister Simard with his campaign, and afterward, I was offered a position in his office—which I accepted."
When asked what made him the best fit as the new MLA for Spruce Woods, Berthelette says he's always worked with people, and this is something that he genuinely enjoys. "Helping others and supporting them through challenges has been a constant in my life, and one of the key tools in my toolkit is strong case management."
"Over the past two years in Minister Simard’s office, I’ve sat down with countless individuals to help address their concerns—not just provincial matters, but also federal and municipal issues," he explains. "We took a multifaceted approach, and I believe that ability to navigate different systems is one of my strengths. I developed a lot of that skill during my time as a staff rep with the United Food and Commercial Workers and while working in probation services with the government. Case management is a process, and I’ve learned how to guide people through it effectively."
Related article: Spruce Woods by-election slated for August 26th - What you need to know!
Berthelette says he's strong communicator which has been an asset in getting things done.
"I’m well-connected throughout Brandon and the surrounding rural areas, and I tend to get results. For example, when Food Rescue was looking to expand in downtown Brandon and needed a protein source, I connected them with Maple Leaf. That connection led to partnerships in Neepawa and eventually with a buffalo farm—and they’re still going strong today. That’s just one example of how I like to make things happen."
The Spruce Woods Riding covers a large area, and a very diverse area. From the north hill of Brandon northwest to Rivers, then to Forrest, west to Shilo and then to Holland. The riding covers both rural and urban businesses and residents, rural and city crime, forest, lake and river terrain and of course agriculture.
"And that's what makes it interesting because you're dealing with different issues. You're not dealing with the same issues all the time. So, you know, rural communities, those issues are like the roads, the infrastructure. Of course, healthcare is also a big thing with the ambulances and EMTs. While in Brandon it's similar issues but it in Brandon you have the addictions and homeless people downtown. And they are basically throughout the city of Brandon looking for accommodations and meals and that's a quite an accomplishment for the city and the province to work together to try to help them."
If elected as MLA for Spruce Woods Berthelette says he will represent the people in his constituency with a strong voice.
"Working with Spruce Woods will give me a good opportunity to voice my concerns at the table for the government, because when you're a part of the table, you get to have a say in it. When you're not at the table, you are sitting at the sidelines hoping you can make a point, but the only way you can really make a point is if you're part of the government."
"So in in saying that, as an MLA for the area, I would be leaning on the councils and the Reeves and Mayors as well to support me and let me know what they need so that way I can go to the table informed with what they need and how to best help each area," he adds.
“I care about this community, and I want the best for families here,” said Berthelette in last week's media release. “Wab Kinew and his team are listening to rural Manitoba and Brandon. They understand the challenges we face and they're investing in a brighter future for us — like more doctors, better roads, safer communities and a lower cost of living. The PCs took the people of Spruce Woods' votes for granted and used it to make cuts to our hospitals, our schools and our roads. This time, vote for a seat at the decision makers' table and have your voice heard."
'Born and raised in rural Manitoba, Ray has seen the damage done to his community under PC cuts — fewer doctors in the region, shuttered emergency rooms, roads in disrepair and deep cuts to rural classroom. Alongside Wab Kinew, he's ready to staff up health care, invest in Highway 2, build a new Prairie Innovation Centre to create good jobs and keep costs low for families. Whether it’s improving access to health care, repairing roads and infrastructure, or supporting young people who want to stay and build their lives here, Ray is ready to get to work,' stated the July 24th media release.
“Ray has deep roots in this community and a strong track record of leadership. He’s exactly the kind of voice Spruce Woods needs a voice that understands the value of hard work, local priorities, and rural pride," said NDP leader Wab Kinew. With Ray on the ballot, the Manitoba NDP is focused on showing up for rural Manitobans, not with slogans, but with solutions"
For more information visit the website HERE.
(photo credit the NDP of Manitoba)