NDP open ‘Southern Manitoba Cabinet’ with former Morden mayor leading the way

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Manitoba’s newly-elected government has introduced a brand new cabinet position they say will be a direct line between southern Manitoba and the premier’s office, and has tapped a recently resigned southern Manitoba mayor to take on the new role.

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On Wednesday, Premier Wab Kinew and the governing NDP announced the creation of the Southern Manitoba regional cabinet position, a position that will represent the interests of Manitoba’s Pembina Valley region under the leadership of former Morden Mayor Brandon Burley.

Burley, who stepped down as Morden’s mayor in October, said he believes the position will be a valuable addition to government, because it will act as “eyes and ears on the ground” between families, businesses and community organizations in southern Manitoba and the Manitoba government, and will allow southern Manitoba residents to have more say in government investments and decisions.

“I believe strongly in southern Manitoba and the potential it has, and I know that it needs attention and it needs investments, but I also know that governments can’t perceive what the challenges and the needs are,” Burley said.

“My goal is to be on the ground and get as much of an understanding as possible directly from the people of what the challenges are, but also to learn what they think the solutions should be.”

Burley served as Mayor of Morden for five years, from 2018 to 2023 before stepping down in October, and has also previously held the role of director of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. (FCM)

He believes his experience working with municipalities and with municipal leaders will give him an advantage as he takes on the new role.

“Many of the leaders I know on a personal level, and they are quite willing to have candid conversations with me,” Burley said.

“They know their communities better than I do and I will trust their judgment.”

Burley added that the new position and office will be officially set up and running by Monday morning of next week, and he is asking any residents, organizations, business owners or agricultural producers to start reaching out to him next week if they have an issue or issues and would like to contact someone at the provincial level.

“If there is anyone who is facing challenges and feel they have exhausted all their resources, please reach out next week,” Burley said.

“We want to ensure every Manitoban has a voice and a direct line to the premiers’ office.”

In a media release, Kinew said the new position is part of what will be a broader strategy of the NDP to represent the interests of Manitobans from all corners of the province in urban and rural areas.

“Our message to Manitobans is clear,” Kinew said. “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.

“This is an important step in making sure Manitobans in the southern region have a strong partner in the provincial government.”

Winkler Mayor Henry Siemens said he is applauding the province’s decision to offer greater access and representation in the Pembina Valley region.

“To have direct access to the provincial cabinet right here in our region is great news for our community,” Siemens said.

“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 also established a Westman Regional cabinet office.

— Dave Baxter is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of the Winnipeg Sun. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.