Penner seeks Steinbach PC nomination

A second City of Steinbach councillor has announced their intention to seek the PC nomination for Steinbach.

Susan Penner announced her candidacy in a news release issued Wednesday.

Fellow councillor, deputy mayor and teacher Michael Zwaagstra announced his candidacy in early January.

Penner said her decision to seek the PC nomination came from years of listening to residents, businesses and the conviction that the Steinbach constituency, held by Kelvin Goertzen since 2003, needs strong, relationships-driven leadership.

“Steinbach, Mitchell and Blumenort are growing quickly and growth brings both opportunities and challenges,” she said in a news release. “I’m running because I believe our constituency deserves an MLA who is deeply engaged, collaborative, and focused on real outcomes, especially when it comes to healthcare, economic development and safety.”

Penner, who worked with Steinbach Mayor Earl Funk advocating for doctor recruitment, said healthcare is one of the most urgent issues facing the region.

“Families shouldn’t have to leave their community to find a family doctor,” she said. “We need practical, rural-focused solutions that recruit and retain physicians and strengthen local healthcare services.”

Penner said along with Funk, she met with provincial officials, supported recruitment initiatives and are working to ensure Steinbach is positioned as a community where physicians want to live, work and raise their families.

Penner also weighed in on economic development, saying that the Steinbach region continues to attract new residents and businesses, adding that the province has a role to play.

“On city council, I’ve worked alongside the mayor and council to support economic development initiatives, infrastructure planning, and business-friendly policies that allow local employers to grow and attract workers,” she said. “I’ve seen firsthand how provincial decisions directly impact economic development in the Steinbach constituency and want to promote policies that allow businesses to grow and thrive, including phasing out the payroll tax, attracting skilled workers, and ensuring infrastructure keeps pace with our growth.”

On crime, Penner said the Steinbach area has long been a place where people feel secure.

“Keeping our communities safe is essential and can be done by using a combination of effective policing, holding offenders accountable and by addressing the root causes of crime.”

Penner said Steinbach needs an MLA who can “advocate firmly while still building relationships that get things done.”

While Michael Zwaagstra secured endorsements from Provencher MP Ted Falk and former senator from Landmark, Don Plett, Penner has also secured endorsements.

They include Mayor Earl Funk and former city councillor Cari Penner.

Funk said he’s worked with Penner for over 15 years on council, saying she’s diligent and hard working.

“She has consistently been dedicated to finding solutions for the challenges that arise in our city and is making a real difference in the lives of people in our community,” he said. “In a time when we are witnessing both federal and provincial politics becoming increasingly partisan and divisive, I believe that Susan’s style of leadership will be able to break down walls and build bridges at the provincial level.”

Former city councillor Cari Penner also endorses Susan Penner.

She said while they didn’t always agree, she grew to respect Penner’s ability to listen to both sides, keep an open mind and remain true to her values.

“I saw her sense of fairness and justice guide her decision-making process, and the strength of her convictions apparent in her political and personal life,” Cari said. “She will bring a steady, strong presence to the office of the Manitoba legislature.”

Penner said she will focus on collaboration and forward-looking leadership.

“I want to represent the Steinbach constituency with competence and determination, ensuring Steinbach has a strong and effective voice in the legislature,” she said.