Turtle Mountain MLA Doyle Piwniuk reflects back on serving his constituency
Our next Manitoba provincial election is currently scheduled for October 2027, but it may be called sooner.
With that in mind, I wanted to talk to our current Turtle Mountain MLA, Doyle Piwniuk, about his time serving as our representative in the Manitoba Legislative Assembly (MLA).
Our chat began with a question about how the shift from being the MLA for Arthur-Virden to representing Turtle Mountain came about.
“Back in 2018, the Boundary Commission results prompted a change for both the Turtle Mountain and Arthur-Virden ridings. This change combined the southern half of the Arthur-Virden constituency with the southern regions of the Spruce Woods and Midland constituencies to form the newly created Turtle Mountain constituency. The area of Turtle Mountain extends over 300 kilometres, encompassing locations from Pierson in the southwest to Darlingford in the southeast, and Notre Dame in the northeast to Tilston in the northwest. Turtle Mountain spans two regions: Westman and South Central.”
Just for clarification, the Electoral Divisions Boundaries Commission (the Commission) reviews and, when necessary, redraws provincial electoral district boundaries every 10 years based on census data, public meetings, and submissions from MLA’s and the public. Given that electoral boundaries naturally evolve due to changes in industry and population, the Commission ensures fair representation by reviewing them. It takes into account equal voter numbers as well as shared interests, geography, history, and transportation links to keep communities together.
The Commission operates independently of governmental agencies to ensure its decisions are non-political and fair. Upon completion of its review, the Commission submits a final report, including the data collected and its recommendations, to the Manitoba Legislature for a final decision.
We asked Doyle what it meant to him when the boundaries were changed, and he was moved to the newly formed Turtle Mountain riding. What has he discovered while being the area’s MLA?
“I was honoured to represent the former constituency of Arthur-Virden for my first five and a half years. In 2018, when the boundaries were changed and the new Turtle Mountain constituency was established, I became its representative. I was equally honoured to be elected in both the 2019 and 2023 provincial elections. The Turtle Mountain constituency encompasses a large area, making it challenging to be present throughout the constituency. Being present for all Turtle Mountain constituents has always been my priority and will continue to be until a new MLA is elected in the next provincial election.
“Being the MLA and travelling through the constituency has allowed me to discover the incredible beauty of Turtle Mountain. I believe this is one of the most scenic constituencies in Manitoba, regardless of the season. Its many lakes and waterways, the rolling hills, and the Notre Dame Escarpment are just a few examples of the natural beauty found in our constituency. Cruising down Highway 23 during the summer, you can enjoy the smooth pavement while taking in the breathtaking views of miles of cultivated fields that burst with colour. In winter, the same areas transform into a magical landscape of pristine white, twinkling in the sunlight.
“Additionally, Turtle Mountain has numerous economic drivers within its borders. Economic sectors such as oil and gas, agriculture, processing plants, wind power, and tourism contribute significantly to revenue not just for our area but for the entire province.
“Speaking of tourism, the International Peace Gardens attract tens of thousands of visitors to Turtle Mountain each year, and that number continues to grow.
“My commitment to my constituents has remained unwavering throughout my years of service as an MLA, and we have completed numerous projects.
“These accomplishments include:
* Creating new daycares in Notre Dame, Oak Lake, Baldur, and Melita.
* Upgrading Highway 18 north of Killarney and Highway 23 from Minto to Swan Lake to meet the Roads and Transportation Association of Canada (RTAC) standards.
* Scheduling Highway 5 for completion in our PC government’s five-year budget.
* Replacing multiple bridges and improving Highway 10.
* Providing provincial funding for various arenas and community projects in Deloraine, Notre Dame, Crystal City, Boissevain, Cartwright, Baldur, Somerset, and Killarney.
* Securing funding for community swimming pools in Pilot Mound, Deloraine, and Boissevain.
* Providing $7.5 million in funding to match former Governor of North Dakota, Doug Bergum’s budget bill to allocate funds equal to $6,000,000 USD, as well as an additional $1 million Cdn to match additional US government funds, all being used for the extensive Willis Pavilion renovations.
* Allocating provincial funding for the expansion of the Killarney ER.
“A lot has been accomplished during my tenure!”
We recognize your dedication to reaching out and participating in numerous community events, as well as attending meetings with various local groups and municipal gatherings.
It’s not often that we see a Member of Parliament so actively engaged in the community.
“It is important for me to be present and available to my constituents. I truly enjoy getting out and meeting them. I must admit that I will miss visiting the different communities, meeting new people, reconnecting with friends, and attending the various events! There are many aspects of my role that I will miss, but it’s time for me to step back and enjoy time with my family. I am confident that the next person chosen for this role will bring the same passion that I have always had. Rest assured, until the torch is passed, I will continue to serve my constituents to the best of my abilities.”
