Bjornson new Ward 3 trustee in Louis Riel School Division

Southeast Winnipeg

Peter Bjornson is the new Ward 3 trustee in Louis Riel School Division, following an Oct. 25 byelection.

Bjornson, 61, is an instructor and the co-ordinator of practicum for the Access program in the faculty of education at the University of Winnipeg. He previously taught at Gimli High School, was MLA for Gimli, and served in several cabinet roles in the NDP provincial governments of Gary Doer, including minister of education and advanced learning.

Bjornson defeated Susanne Dandenault, a lawyer, and Ben Singer, who works for the federal government, in the recent byelection.

“It feels great,” Bjornson said, noting he’s honoured to have been elected in the role. “We had a good team and we worked hard, and I think we ran a really good campaign.”

Bjornson said he’ll be busy doing his homework and looking at strategic plans and policies as he adapts to the role.

“There’s lots of moving pieces in the process, and I’ll be working with the board to implement policies. Working on the budget will be one of our next priorities.” Bjornson said.

The River Park South resident said the educational priorities for the school division reflect, in some ways, the priorities for the province, which include teacher recruitment and retention — including French teachers.

“I think I have some suggestions that might help, and will take them to the school board,” Bjornson said.

“I’m very excited about this opportunity, and I’m looking forward to working with a very dynamic board and moving forward with its strategic plan. It’s all about making schools better places, which can be challenging.”

During his recent byelection campaign, Bjornson emphasized that it’s key to ensure student success and well-being by providing the best resources available and strengthening partnership with parents, teachers and the wider community.