Peter Bjornson Wins Ward 3 Trustee Election in Manitoba Byelection

UPDATE: Former Manitoba education minister Peter Bjornson has officially been elected as the new school board trustee for Ward 3 of the Louis Riel School Division, securing a decisive victory in the byelection held on July 15, 2023. Bjornson garnered 54% of the vote, translating to 787 votes, according to unofficial results from the city.

In a competitive race, Suzanne Dandenault finished with 565 votes (approximately 39%), while Ben Singer trailed with 99 votes (around 7%). Bjornson expressed his gratitude, stating he felt “very honoured” that voters chose him, particularly in a division where all three of his children attended school.

Bjornson, a resident of River Park South, described his excitement about engaging with the community again, referring to himself as an “old-school politician” who values direct communication with constituents. Previously, he served as the MLA for Gimli from 2003 to 2015, managing several portfolios, including education and housing, under the leadership of NDP governments.

As the newly elected trustee, Bjornson emphasized his commitment to prioritizing the budget and ensuring that funding directly supports educators’ classroom needs. He stated, “I think one of the things that a board really should do is make sure that the money is well spent, primarily on the front line and supporting teachers and supporting EAs.” He also highlighted the importance of preparing educational assistants (EAs) to meet the diverse needs of students.

Bjornson is particularly concerned about the implications of artificial intelligence in education, urging educators to adapt swiftly to emerging technologies. He believes that increased resources are essential for teachers to provide enriching experiences for students. “A little bit of extra money would go a long way in providing more engaging experiences for our students,” he added.

Despite the significance of the election, only 1,451 voters participated, representing just over 5% of the 27,785 eligible voters in the division. Bjornson expressed a desire to see higher voter turnout in future elections, stating, “We have big budgets and big responsibilities, so I just hope that we see school board elections taking on more profile in the next civic election next year.”

Looking ahead, Bjornson is dedicated to listening to the concerns of parents and educators to implement improvements within the school division. He emphasized his commitment to transparency and accessibility, stating, “I’m here to listen and be transparent and support your needs.”

As Bjornson embarks on this new political chapter, his focus will remain on delivering results for students, teachers, and educational assistants, ensuring that their needs are prioritized in the decision-making process.