PC MLA Bonnie Mitchelson will not seek re-election after 28 years in office
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 17/10/2014 (4191 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
After 28 years in provincial politics, Manitoba’s longest-serving female MLA said today that’s long enough.
River East Progressive Conservative MLA Bonnie Mitchelson told colleagues she will not seek re-election in 2016 to spend more time with her family. When her term expires she will have served in the Manitoba legislature for 30 years.
“It’s been a real ride,” she told reporters. “I’ve had the opportunity to do so many positive things both in government and in opposition. Many people don’t realize the significance of democracy in our country and our province and the opportunities and the roles that both government and opposition play to make democracy work.”
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Mitchelson was first elected in 1986 and served in the cabinet of former Premier Gary Filmon holding several portfolios including Family Services from 1993-99. Filmon was one of many former PC MLAs on hand for a private reception following Mitchelson’s announcement.
Mitchelson, who was elected eight consecutive times, said the decision to retire was difficult, but made in consultation with her husband Don and other family members.
“It’s not an easy life to be the family of a politician,” an emotional Mitchelson said. “But they’ve stuck with me. They’ve been here for me. It does take a family to make this happen, and to make this a career.”
Mitchelson is the third female MLA from the PC caucus to step down since Brian Pallister was elected leader in 2012.
Former Morris MLA Mavis Taillieu resigned in February 2013 after 10 years in office and Riding Mountain MLA Leanne Rowat said she would not seek re-election last month. Rowat was first elected in 2003.
Agassiz MLA Stu Briese gave notice in June that he would not be running again.
To date no NDP MLAs have signaled they would step aside and not seek re-election.