By Canadian Press

Manitoba Tories choose Kelvin Goertzen as interim leader, new premier until Oct. 30

Aug 31, 2021 | 5:27 PM

WINNIPEG — Kelvin Goertzen will become Manitoba’s 23rd premier.

The governing Progressive Conservative caucus chose Goertzen Tuesday as interim party leader to replace Premier Brian Pallister, who is scheduled to leave office Wednesday.

“It was unanimously decided that Kelvin Goertzen is the best person to lead us through this interim period until a new leader is selected in the fall,” caucus chair Greg Nesbitt said in a written statement. 

Goertzen, a former deputy premier and minister of portfolios including health and education, declined requests for comment.

He will hold the title until the party’s leadership vote, which is slated for Oct. 30.

What's Happening in Lethbridge this weekend: September 27, 2024

Sep 27, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this weekend: September 20, 2024

Sep 20, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this weekend: August 30, 2024

Aug 30, 2024

Goertzen has been a legislature member since 2003. He has remained neutral in the Tory leadership race, which has three declared candidates so far.

Pallister, whose Tories have dropped sharply in opinion polls, recently announced he would leave office.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on Aug. 31, 2021.

The Canadian Press