Reg Helwer joins list of Manitoba Conservatives not running for re-election

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This article was published 05/01/2023 (622 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

WINNIPEG – Another Manitoba Progressive Conservative has announced he will not run in the provincial election slated for Oct. 3.

Reg Helwer, the minister for labour, consumer protection and government services, says he has decided to spend more time with family.

Another nine of the 36 Tory caucus members have announced in recent months that they will not run again, including cabinet ministers Alan Lagimodiere, Cliff Cullen and Eileen Clarke.

The Progressive Conservatives have been consistently trailing the Opposition New Democrats in opinion polls, but Myrna Driedger, the legislature speaker, says that is not why she is leaving.

She posted on social media that she wants to set the record straight and, after 25 years in public service, it’s simply time to retire.

Helwer, who has represented the Brandon West constituency since 2011, says in a message posted to social media he will continue to support the Tories.

“Our PC team is entering an exciting period of renewal, with fresh ideas and new faces,” Helwer said in the message Friday on Twitter.

“I will help in any way I can to ensure the next PC candidate for Brandon West is successful in helping form a third consecutive government.”

Premier Heather Stefanson, who has been on vacation in Florida, has said her colleagues told her of their intentions earlier.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 6, 2023.