The Manitoba government is establishing a new Southern Manitoba regional cabinet position based in the Pembina Valley, that will act as a liaison between families, businesses and community organizations in southern Manitoba and the Manitoba government, Premier Wab Kinew announced Wednesday (Nov 29) at the Association of Manitoba Municipalities Gala Dinner.
“Our message to Manitobans is clear – no matter what part of the province you are from, we are here to represent you, listen to your needs and work with your communities to improve health care, grow the economy, and make life better for Manitobans,” said Kinew. “This is an important step in making sure Manitobans in the southern region have a strong partner in the provincial government.”
The new initiative will be led by Brandon Burley. Burley was the Mayor of Morden for five years from 2018 to 2023, during which time he served as the director of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. Prior to holding elected office, Burley was a real estate appraiser. With the position announced today, Burley will serve as a liaison between the premier’s office, cabinet and stakeholders in the Pembina Valley region.
“I am grateful to Premier Kinew for the opportunity to work on behalf of his government in southern Manitoba,” said Burley. “I believe in Manitoba and know that southern Manitoba will play a critical role in the future of our province. I will work hard to fairly represent all of southern Manitoba to the premier’s office, as he seeks to build a government for every Manitoban.”
“Brandon Burley will be an excellent support to southern Manitoba communities as well as to the Manitoba government, and I look forward to working closely together,” said Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Ian Bushie. “With his experience in municipal government and knowledge of the Pembina Valley region, I am confident this office will create real results for southern Manitoba.”
“To have direct access to the provincial cabinet, right here in our region, is great news for our community,” said Mayor Henry Siemens, City of Winkler. “We’re glad to see someone who understands the unique challenges southern communities face is leading this important initiative and we’re ready to get to work with him.”
Earlier this month, the Manitoba government established a Westman Regional cabinet office led by Jason Gobeil.
