Current McPhilips MLA Shannon Martin is seeking the Progressive Conservative (PC) party nomination for the Midland constituency.
Previously he represented part of Midland when it fell within the Morris riding, which was eliminated after electoral boundaries were redrawn following the 2016 provincial election, with much of the former constituency being moved within what's now known as Midland. Martin was first elected to the Manitoba Legislature in 2014 in Morris and reelected in 2016. He was elected again in 2019, but in McPhilips.
"From the moment that Morris disappeared in the last election due to boundary changes, people in the communities I had the fortune of representing for almost a decade have been asking when I'm coming back," said Martin. "It's my absolute delight to come back, and to re-engage with people I've had the honour of representing, like I said, for almost a decade."
Martin noted it was an easy decision to put his name forward for the PC nomination in Midland.
"Representing rural Manitoba always has been one of my greatest joys," he explained. "There's just something about the communities in rural Manitoba and the people in rural Manitoba, and I knew from the moment that Morris disappeared, and essentially was absorbed into Midland, I wanted to come back."
Martin identified property crime and RCMP staffing levels as one of the issues he's hearing about from residents.
"In those bedroom communities that exist on the edge of the city, a lot of issues in terms of property crime, in terms of car break-ins and garages," he said. "There's a role for the province to play, and working with the federal government, to bring up those RCMP numbers. A number of the detachments are short of staff, as well."
Infrastructure, flood proofing and water management are other areas he's hearing about.
"People are looking for what everyone looks for, good representation with someone they can identify with, and they can engage with," said Martin. "I'm confident I've built up a reputation in my previous life, as the MLA for Morris, of doing just that.
Also seeking the nomination are Lauren Stone and Doug Dobrowolski.
A nomination meeting will be held October 29th at the Brunkild Community Hall starting at 9 a.m. It is only open to PC party members. There, all three candidates will have an opportunity to deliver a speech and present their cases. Voting will take place any time during the meeting starting in the morning, but must be complete by 5 p.m.