Archived News Releases

June 6, 2003

Premier Gary Doer today appointed Rosann Wowchuk deputy premier.

Wowchuk, the minister of agriculture and food and MLA for Swan River, will assume the position formerly held by Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Jean Friesen who did not seek re-election this spring.

"Rosann was a clear choice, bringing an important combination of talent, experience and regional representation to the position," Doer said.

"Rosann's success as minister of agriculture and food, her experience as an MLA representing both rural Manitoba and the North, and her wisdom shown over the years around the cabinet and caucus tables will help our government continue to govern for the benefit all Manitobans."

Wowchuk was first elected as the MLA for Swan River in 1990. Born and raised in the area, she has a strong history of community involvement and service. Prior to being elected to the legislature, she was councillor and deputy reeve of the Local Government District of Mountain from 1983 to 1990 and chair of the Cowan Soil and Water Co-op.

Re-elected in the 1995, 1999 and 2003 general elections, Wowchuk was the opposition critic for agriculture before being sworn in as minister of agriculture and food on Oct. 5, 1999.

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