I’m a 51 year-old husband and father. I have been married for 27 years to Shelley and we have three amazing adult children who are currently all in university. I am a trained musician, former high school band teacher, and now MLA and Cabinet Minister.
I’m a 51 year-old husband and father. I have been married for 27 years to Shelley and we have three amazing adult children who are currently all in university. I am a trained musician, former high school band teacher, and now MLA and Cabinet Minister.
Age: 51
Profession: I have served as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Morden-Winkler since 2011; appointed to executive council first as Minister of Finance in 2016, and in 2018 as Minister of Health, Seniors and Active Living.
Education:
I hold music and education degrees from CMBC, UBC and U of M.
About You
What is the biggest issue facing your community, and how would you address it?
Growth. The steady population increase in Morden-Winkler is due to business growth, a burgeoning manufacturing sector, and local immigration initiatives. These put pressure on infrastructure. Our needs are roads, schools, affordable housing, health-care capacity and appropriate spaces for seniors. Our government takes an evidence-based approach to decision-making, so I am confident that priorities will be addressed as our PC government continues to make good investments.
Why did you decide to run for office?
When I was 10, my dad took me along on one of his many meetings at the Legislature with the then-MLA. I looked up at the magnificent Legislative Building and I decided then and there that I would work in that place someday. Growing up, my parents modeled generosity, volunteerism, and giving back. My father served on town council and was Mayor of Morden for three terms. It is an honour to serve my neighbours. I believe good policy makes good politics. Like many others, I had some mix of desire, skill and experience, but also the courage to try when the opportunity arose. That was 2011. Eight years later, I am energized to go to work every day to represent Morden—Winkler in the Manitoba Legislature.
Manitoba is marking its 150th anniversary next year. Suggest one way we can make it a memorable occasion.
Manitoba is an amazing province with amazing people, and we should definitely be thinking about finding ways to celebrate its history-makers, and movers and shakers.
Tell us something about yourself that voters might find surprising.
I have my ARCT (Associate of The Royal Conservatory of Music) in Piano Performance.
Find out more about Cameron Friesen, Progressive Conservative, Morden-Winkler:
http://cameronfriesen4mla.com
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