It's been 5 months since Grant Jackson resigned from the Manitoba Legislature as the MLA for Spruce Woods to join the race for Brandon-Souris in the federal election after the announcement of MP Larry Maguire's retirement. Jackson became the new MP by a majority vote for Brandon-Souris at the end of April.
And that began the next race, MLA for Spruce Woods.
Three candidates are vying for a seat in Manitoba's legislature in tomorrow's byelection in the Spruce Woods constituency. They've been learning more about their riding which includes rural as well as urban areas, participated in 2 formal debates, and have been knocking on doors and speaking with residents in this constituency over the past few months.
The Spruce Woods riding includes Souris, Oak Lake, Rivers, Wawanesa, Glenboro, Holland, Brandon's north hill, Spruce Woods and CFB Shilo.
The seat in the Spruce Woods riding is a longtime Progressive Conservative stronghold, with the Tories capturing more than 60% of the vote in 2023 with former MLA Grant Jackson.
The Spruce Woods byelection candidates (in alphabetical order using first names):
Colleen Robbins - PC Candidate
Born in Deloraine, Colleen Robbins is a nurse by profession, who has served in the local business sector. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to build local businesses and serve as President of the Souris Chamber of Commerce, where she became a passionate advocate for small business and rural economic development. Volunteer work includes Manitoba Crime Stoppers and To the Stan and Back, (Stan short for Afghanistan) a charity devoted to supporting veterans and frontline personnel living with PTSD. Robbins is a long-time Tory volunteer.
Ray Bertholette - NDP Candidate
Born and raised in rural Manitoba, Ray Berthelette now lives in the Spruce Woods Riding part of the City of Brandon, the North Hill. Berthelette was a correctional officer and later transferred to Thompson, where he worked as an activation officer becoming involved in the Manitoba Government Employees Union. He moved back to Brandon and became a staff representative for the United Food and Commercial Workers, working with Maple Leaf and Safeway Superstore. After retiring he joined Minister Glen Simard's team in Brandon with the campaign for Brandon East.
Stephen Reid - Liberal Candidate
Stephen Reid is born and raised in Brandon and is currently employed with the Brandon School Division as a high school teacher at Vincent Massey in the field of Canadian civics and business leadership. His teaching career spans 21 years. Reid has strong familial ties to local politics and media. Stephen's great-grandfather, J.R. Reid, was a renowned educator and Principal who had a school named after him. Grandfather Reid served as the Editor of the Brandon Sun for many years. Stephen's Dad was Deputy Mayor of Brandon for 15 years and his mom worked as the Executive Assistant for Glen McKinnon, Liberal MP (1993-1997).
When and where to vote:
ELECTION DAY:
When: Tuesday, August 26
Hours: 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
Where to vote: Vote at any polling place in Spruce Woods. Click here to see all options.
YOU CAN VOTE IF YOU ARE:
- a Canadian citizen
- 18 years or older
- a resident of Manitoba for at least six months
- a resident of the Spruce Woods electoral division
The Spruce Woods riding encompasses a diverse range of communities, each with their own characteristics and contributions to the region.
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