Former Tory cabinet minister says he won’t seek re-election

A rural Progressive Conservative MLA has decided not to seek re-election in 2027.

Doyle Piwniuk, the member for Turtle Mountain, announced his decision on social media Wednesday.

“This was not an easy decision, but one guided by my desire to spend more time with my family and focus on the next chapter of our lives together,” Piwniuk wrote.

He was first elected to the legislative assembly in a 2014 byelection in Arthur-Virden and won re-election in 2016 before the constituency was dissolved. In 2019, he successfully ran for re-election in Turtle Mountain.

The former pension fund accountant became a partner at an insurance firm in Virden before running for public office.

Piwniuk was deputy speaker of the legislative assembly and in 2022, he was appointed minister of transportation and infrastructure by Heather Stefanson, who was premier at the time. He is currently the Tories’ transportation and infrastructure critic.

“Until the next election, I remain fully committed to serving the people of Turtle Mountain and all Manitobans, and to continue the work we have started together to strengthen our communities and our province,” Piwniuk’s post said.

“I am deeply grateful for the trust and support I have received over the years from my constituents, colleagues, and community.”

PC Leader Obby Khan said the process to nominate a party candidate in Turtle Mountain in the 2027 vote will begin “shortly.”

“This is an exciting time for the people of Turtle Mountain and the new era of the PC party,” Khan said in a prepared statement that thanked Piwniuk for his service.

“We recognize the significant demands placed on all MLAs and their families and support MLA Piwniuk’s decision to resign to spend more time with his family.”

— Staff