UPDATE: Kelvin Goertzen named Manitoba’s interim premier

Despite announcing no interest in running in the election for premier, Manitoba's Deputy Premier's caucus is voting him into the role, temporarily.

Manitoba’s PC Caucus is announcing who is replacing Premier Brian Pallister Wednesday. 

Minister Kelvin Goertzen is taking up the role after winning the majority Wednesday. Goertzen had previously stated that he would not be running for the Conservative leadership position.

"I think my role is more, at this stage of my career, helping the party through this interim period and this transition," Goetzen said in a mid-August interview when he announced that he was not eyeing the premiers' seat. "I think that is more my role, primarily to be there to support my family, but then also to support the party and the government in that transition."

Goertzen is currently serving as Manitoba's Deputy Premier and is the MLA for Steinbach, first elected in 2003.

He will become Manitoba's 23rd premier Wednesday.

Goertzen will be replaced after an election on October 30 for the 24th premier. Currently, former minister and current MLA Heather Stefanson, MLA Shannon Martin, and former MP Shelly Glover are competing in this leadership race. 

Premier Brian Pallister waves goodbye to the media on August 10 as he announces he would be leaving his premier role. (Screenshot: Government of Manitoba/YouTube)

Premier Brian Pallister will leave his leadership position Wednesday morning. It is expected he will continue serving as the MLA for Fort Whyte for a short while after leaving this post.

Read the full statement from the province below:

"Following the resignation of Premier Brian Pallister, the government caucus has chosen Deputy Premier and Minister of Legislative and Public Affairs Kelvin Goertzen as the next premier of Manitoba.

Goertzen was first elected in 2003 as the member of the legislative assembly for Steinbach and served in a number of roles both as a critic in opposition and as the government house leader, minister of Health, Seniors and Active Living and Education and Training, and most recently as minister of Legislative and Public Affairs as well as deputy premier.

Goertzen will be sworn in as Manitoba’s 23rd premier on Sept. 1, 2021."