COLUMN: Carillon Flashback March 15, 1999 – Chambers pay tribute to veteran politician

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This article was published 19/09/2023 (646 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Southeastern Manitoba’s business community gave Albert Driedger a non-partisan sendoff when they honoured the retiring long-time MLA at an appreciation dinner in Niverville.

Chambers of Commerce members from three communities in Steinbach constituency paid an affectionate tribute to veteran MLA Albert Driedger, as his 22 years in the Manitoba Legislature drew to a close.

The appreciation night, held in a jammed Niverville Heritage Centre, provided an emotional send-off for Driedger, as he prepares to leave provincial politics.

With 15 members of the Conservative caucus in attendance, it was an evening of laughter, recollections of the highlights of his long career and warm affection for a man frequently referred to as ‘one of a kind’.

“Nobody goes to war for his constituents like Albert,” said Steinbach Chamber of Commerce representative Bryan Rempel, describing Driedger as a politician who always treated his constituents with respect.

“He always comes through for us,” Grunthal Chamber of Commerce president Rick Doerksen said.

“He listens to his constituents,” Niverville Chamber president Doug Adams added.

The Niverville, Steinbach and Grunthal Chambers combined to sponsor a banquet as their way of expressing appreciation for the MLA whose career in provincial politics began Oct. 11, 1977, when he was elected in Emerson constituency.

He held two cabinet posts, first being named minister of highways and later to the position of natural resources minister.

His hard work on the campaign trail was recalled. Premier Gary Filmon – in a videotaped message – credited Driedger for turning Emerson constituency and then Steinbach constituency from swing ridings to solid Conservative seats in the Legislature.

Driedger “does things his own way,” former executive assistant Kelvin Goertzen acknowledged, going on, however, to praise him for his “tremendous dedication to his constituents.”

“He returns phone calls and gives honest answers, even when they are not the answers you want to hear.”

“He left something of substance … something substantial to remember.”

Elsie Janzen of Grunthal noted the many improvements to roads in the constituency, which took place while Driedger served as highways minister.

George Sawatzky, a long-time constituency association worker, recalled Driedger’s hard work in five election campaigns.

Driedger was always working to satisfy his colleagues, said caucus colleague and former deputy premier James Downey, who is also stepping out of politics at the end of the present term.

The appreciation banquet itself might well be the highlight of his career, an emotional Driedger commented in conclusion, suggesting, tongue-in-cheek, the show of support is almost enough to make him rethink his retirement plans.

Driedger credited his wife, Mary, for the pivotal role she played in the success of his political career.

“What a campaigner she is. For every vote I lost, Mary gained back two.”

Niverville Chamber of Commerce spokesman Gord Daman said they expected the Conservative Party of Manitoba would be having their own retirement evening for Driedger, but felt the March 12 appreciation night was a good way for communities to express their appreciation in a non-partisan way.

– with files from Tim Plett