Kinew announces Westman cabinet office

Premier Wab Kinew travelled to Brandon today to announce the establishment of a new Westman regional cabinet office that will act as a liaison between families, businesses and community organizations in Westman and the Manitoba government.

“Our government has been entrusted to govern on behalf of all Manitobans and we are very happy to announce our plans to serve the people of Brandon and Westman region,” said Kinew. “This is a region that deserves a strong provincial partner–to develop new economic opportunities, spur on health-care innovation, expand job training and educate the workforce of Westman’s future. Coming a day after a Hydro announcement that will bring more power to Brandon, I can say our government is ready to do the work. This cabinet office will be a hub for those great ideas to turn into tangible action.”

The new regional cabinet office will be led by Jason Gobeil, a former school trustee with Brandon School Division (BSD), board member at Brandon University and community co-ordinator with more than 10 years of experience working directly in the areas of employment counselling, project management and community program development across the Westman region. Gobeil has volunteered his time serving on boards with BSD’s Indigenous Advisory Committee, the Westman chapter of the Interprovincial Association on Native Employment, the Brandon Bear Clan and the Brandon Urban Aboriginal Peoples’ Council, and has put on events like 100 Men 100 Drums, which offered cultural connection and trauma healing for Indigenous men. Gobeil is also a proud French speaker.

“The people of Westman have so much to offer our province,” said Gobeil. “I can’t wait to bring those great ideas to the Manitoba government so we can get to work building a Westman for the future.”

“I have all the confidence in Jason Gobeil to help the Brandon community realize its incredible potential as a critical city within our province,” said Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism Minister Glen Simard. “He believes in this community and he understands what Westman folks bring to the table. We are lucky to have his expertise in our government and I look forward to working with him.”

Gobeil will offer a direct link for important provincial stakeholders in the Westman area with the premier’s office and each member of the premier’s cabinet, noted Kinew.