22°c A few clouds
Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION
Pallister's mansion: the sequel
Manitoba Tory chief tells rags-to-riches tale
'I've never been in the proximity of a silver spoon. I understand what it's like to live with humility' - Brian Pallister � Brian Pallister (JOE BRYKSA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS ARCHIVES) Photo Store
Brian Pallister wants Manitobans to know that while he recently dropped $2 million on a Wellington Crescent mansion, he wasn't born with a silver spoon in his mouth.
The Progressive Conservative leader called a news conference Monday to respond to criticisms of the purchase, which appears to have drawn more public attention than the entire 13-day fall legislative sitting.
Pallister described how he came from humble beginnings on a farm southwest of Portage la Prairie. How he and his two siblings were raised in a 450-square-foot home that did not have indoor plumbing until 1967.
The future Tory leader put himself through university, worked for a time as a school teacher and then launched a financial consulting business out of his car.
"I built my business based on helping people get better off financially, and in so doing, I got better off financially myself," he told reporters, speaking from notes.
"I helped young families get out of debt. I helped small business people to find success in an era of double-digit interest rates. I helped farmers to be able to pass on their farms to their heirs. I helped labourers get benefits packages. I helped working people get pensions. I helped seniors find better financial security than they would have without my advice."
Pallister said he took exception to comments from university professors quoted in the Free Press and CBC stories about his house purchase.
The academics left the false impression, he said, that he couldn't relate to, or had disdain for, people who were struggling financially.
"Nothing could be further from the truth," he said Monday.
Pallister's new address boasts 9,000 square feet of living space with a seven-car heated garage, a backyard basketball court and a view of the Assiniboine River. It sits on 1.7 acres of riverfront property. It was originally listed for $3.3 million.
The Tory leader said he and his wife "lived frugally and reasonably" for many years.
"We've chosen to invest in Manitoba and we're proud of that choice."
He said he entered politics to fight for those who need "smarter and more efficient government to work for them, who need government to help sometimes and sometimes just to get out of the way."
He noted that last week when the house-purchase story broke, his party was advancing issues such as fairer taxes for working people and the plight of children in the care of child and family services.
"I've never been in the proximity of a silver spoon. I understand what it's like to live with humility. I understand what it's like to run out of money before the end of the month. I can relate to people very well who work hard and who do not always find success," he said.
As for his own success, Pallister said: "I used a simple plan. Zero, 20, 60. I started with nothing. I went to night school for 20 years. I've always worked 60-hour weeks."
Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition December 11, 2012 B4
More Local
- Back to Top
- Return to Local
More Local
(1 of 17 articles for today)
Kids of St. Ignatius make Sweet gesture to beloved crossing guard
10:01 AM 0
Poll
Most Popular Local
- Court told driver hysterical after vehicle fatally hit highway worker
- Mountie hospitalized, dog euthanized after crash near Saskatoon
- Basic arithmetic back in class
- Child in critical condition after West End crash
- Glover quits quarrel over election costs
- MP Glover files new version of disputed 2011 election expenses
- Pallister continues PST fight
- City-wide average mosquito count drops
- Committee wants report on free replacement for garbage, recycling carts
- Zoo breaks ground for new entrance
- Safeway stores likely to close
- Squirrel crawls out of Winnipegger's toilet
- Poolside feeding prompts eviction
- Court told driver hysterical after vehicle fatally hit highway worker
- Stoppage of play off the field
- Child in critical condition after West End crash
- Basic arithmetic back in class
- Kenyan wins Manitoba Marathon
- Traffic heavy as Bomber fans flock to U of M
- St. Norbert's hopping
- Father blasts 'horrific' movie
- Safeway stores likely to close
- Man dies after being pulled from vehicle submerged in Winnipeg retention pond
- Flood money paid for CEO's romantic trip
- Car in deadly crash stolen?
- UPDATE: Now with FAQ: Keeping the e-party going without the party-crashers
- Squirrel crawls out of Winnipegger's toilet
- Daycare provider charged with abandonment
- Poolside feeding prompts eviction
- Two people killed in crash north of Winnipeg
- Basic arithmetic back in class
- Province blows off wind megawatt goal
- At 55, I'm wise to what's real in life
- Court told driver hysterical after vehicle fatally hit highway worker
- Child in critical condition after West End crash
- Bible Belt's bogeyman still haunts town
- Mountie hospitalized, dog euthanized after crash near Saskatoon
- Province's new approach to teaching math long overdue: readers
- Métis ready to ring bell again
- Anti-skeeter option expensive
- Basic arithmetic back in class
- Squirrel crawls out of Winnipegger's toilet
- Safeway stores likely to close
- $110-K worth of nickel plates stolen from Thompson mine
- Province blows off wind megawatt goal
- App could give Winnipeggers chance to report bad parking, get paid
- A day in the life of 13,380 Manitoba Marathon participants
- Doctors blamed for death
- Known as kind, outgoing men
- Stoppage of play off the field
- Basic arithmetic back in class
- Squirrel crawls out of Winnipegger's toilet
- Developers to unveil plans for bold downtown tower
- Father blasts 'horrific' movie
- Teachers support adding sexual-orientation themes to all curricula
- The crime fighter's revolution
- Safeway stores likely to close
- Car in deadly crash stolen?
- City's first urban reserve born
- On board with the Snowbirds
Ads by Google
You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is be a Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscriber to join the conversation and give your feedback.
You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is be a Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscriber to join the conversation and give your feedback.
Have Your Say
New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
Have Your Say
Comments are open to Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscribers only. why?
Login SubscribeHave Your Say
Comments are open to Winnipeg Free Press Subscribers only. why?
SubscribeThe Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010.