About Jeff Bereza
When were you born?
Between 1946 and 1965 (Baby Boomer)
Tell our readers a bit about your professional life. What do you do for a living? If you're an incumbent candidate, what did you do before you entered politics?
I was in the agricultural field for 27 years, and most recently I retired as the director of sales for Canada with Nexus BioAg. I was the chair of the Municipal Board of Manitoba from 2016-2023. I was a city councillor in Portage la Prairie from 2006-2010, and have served on many non-profit boards as well.
What's the highest level of education you've attained?
High-school diploma
How long have you lived in the constituency? If you don't currently live there, what led you to run there instead of where you live?
I was born at the Portage la Prairie General Hospital in 1963, and have lived in the constituency of Portage la Prairie for 60 years.
What is the biggest challenge facing your constituency, and how would you address it?
The challenges that are facing our constituency are not a lot different than many others - healthcare, education, crime, the economy. These issues didn’t happen overnight, and they will not be fixed overnight. The PC party has plans in place to address these issues that face all of us. With healthcare we are making record funding announcements for facilities as well as staffing - plans that have been carefully thought out as well as budgeted. In education we are continuing to work to build more schools. Crime is an issue that is being exacerbated by current “catch and release” policies, and while I firmly believe in defending, not defunding our law enforcement officials, we also need to look at the root causes of crime.
If elected, what will be your first priority?
To get right down to work. Meeting with my constituents on a regular basis, and establishing quarterly meetings with community groups to ensure I am up to date on their issues and concerns. Ensuring the state-of-the-art regional healthcare facility being built in Portage la Prairie has a plan in place for recruitment, retention, incentives, etc. We are competing with a healthcare shortage that is worldwide, and we need to be ready to compete.
Who are your role models in politics, and why?
Ken Brennan, former Mayor, City of Portage la Prairie and Toby Trimble, former Reeve, RM of Portage la Prairie. When I served on council, our two councils, led by Ken and Toby, worked together to build a recreation facility in Portage. Their leadership in what ensured the project succeeded. There was controversy throughout the project, but their determination and commitment to keep both councils working together never wavered. They instilled a can-do attitude in all of us to work together and maintain focus for the greater good of our community. This project has become an economic driver in our community, and a model for other communities across Canada.
Tell us something about yourself that voters might find surprising.
My wife and I live in Portage la Prairie on beautiful Crescent Lake. We see many different types of waterfowl, and I am intrigued by their beauty. I don’t hunt, so this must be the reason I collect hand carved and painted wooden decoys as well as original waterfowl paintings.
Other candidates in constituency:
Arishya Aggarwal (Green)
Acacia Weselake (New Democratic Party)
Ralph Dooley (Liberal)