Following the resignation of Premier Brian Pallister, the Manitoba government caucus has chosen Deputy Premier and Minister of Legislative and Public Affairs Kelvin Goertzen as the next premier of Manitoba.
In a news release, Progressive Conservative party Caucus Chair Greg Nesbitt said “There was healthy dialogue and discussion at this meeting on the future of our caucus and a desired path forward for an interim leader. It was unanimously decided that Kelvin Goertzen is the best person to lead us through this interim period until a new leader is selected in the fall. I have notified the Lieutenant Governor of the caucus’ decision.”
Goertzen was first elected in 2003 as the member of the legislative assembly for Steinbach and served in a number of roles both as a critic in opposition and as the government house leader, minister of Health, Seniors and Active Living and Education and Training, and most recently as minister of Legislative and Public Affairs as well as deputy premier.
Goertzen will be sworn in as Manitoba’s 23rd premier today (Sept 1). A new party leader will be chosen on October 30th.