Manitoba's newest premier says his brief term will be served with an open door.

Kelvin Goertzen was sworn in in a private ceremony with his family Wednesday morning as Manitoba's newest premier. The ceremony was not open to the public, as Goertzen ways it was a humble approach knowing this term is unusual as he was voted in by his caucus. 

The Premier is from Steinbach, a predominantly Mennonite city, and has Mennonite roots. The city has been his riding since 2003.

"I am proud as someone with Mennonite roots coming from a Mennonite community to be able to take on this role. I hope that the community is proud of me too and they will be at the end of 60 days," Goertzen says. "It doesn't matter regardless of your ethnicity or your beliefs, I want to represent all Manitobans."

He is hoping Mennonites are encouraged to enter leadership positions.

One of Goertzen's biggest concerns stepping into this role is division, something he says is strongly felt currently in Manitoba. He says "it is the animosity that worries me as much as anything."

As vaccine and health order debates continue, the premier is asking for Manitobans to listen to others, something he is used to doing.

"I spent a lot of time listening and talking to friends and neighbours who don't agree in the same way that I do and in trying to convince them of my view," Goertzen says.

Goertzen is looking to bring that listening ear to his two months at the interim premier. He intends to meet with people such as Indigenous leaders, union representatives, and local leaders in these two months. The results of the conversations will be relayed to whoever is elected as premier on October 30.

Manitoba's deputy premier role is being filled by Rochelle Squires. 

Other changes include:

  • Squires and Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler will join the Priorities and Planning Committee of Cabinet
  • Crown Services Minister Jeff Wharton will become the chair of the Regulatory Accountability Committee of Cabinet and Justice Minister Cameron Friesen will join the committee as vice-chair
  • Indigenous Reconciliation and Northern Relations Minister Alan Lagimodiere will join the Gender-Based Violence Committee of Cabinet

The Steinbach MLA says it will be a family decision closer to the next election period if he runs again.

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