Kayla Gillis will carry the Manitoba’s Progressive Conservative banner into next year’s provincial general election as the party’s candidate in the Dauphin constituency.
The PCs announced the nomination last week, citing Gillis’ high profile across the Parkland and beyond for her lifelong contributions to local economic development and community-building efforts, as the driving factor behind her nomination.
Gillis served 15 years on the board of Canada’s National Ukrainian Festival - 11 as board chair - in addition to her work with Dauphin’s Countryfest, Dauphin Tourism, and numerous other organizations.
In those roles, Gillis has helped lead some of Canada’s most notable cultural events, playing an instrumental part in spurring tourism in the region and the province as a whole.
Gillis also takes keen interest in the needs of Manitoba’s agricultural producers and the multitude of challenges faced by the sector today.
Beginning with her upbringing on a farm, she went on to graduate from Assiniboine College’s agribusiness program, served as vice-chair of the Manitoba Farm Women’s Conference, and spent more than a decade working in Manitoba’s agribusiness sector. She continues to support families, farmers, and businesses today as a leading financial service provider in the community.
“My parents taught me at a very early age that we should always strive to help others and make our community the best it can be,” Gillis said.
“That value has empowered me throughout my life to seek out any opportunity to give back to my community. Being able to advocate for the needs and concerns of our constituency at the provincial level is just that kind of opportunity.”
An enthusiastic community builder since her early years volunteering for the local 4-H Club, Gillis’ efforts have earned her the One to Watch Alumni Award from Assiniboine College’s Parkland Campus (2022), both a Global Citizen Award and a Community Leadership Award from the Royal Bank of Canada (2023), and the King Charles III Coronation Medal (2025).
She was also a 2024 nominee for the Community Leadership and Social Action Award as part of YMCA Westman’s Women of Distinction Awards.
“From the recent flooding and hospital closure, to the economic fallout of tariffs, to every day cost-of-living pressures, Dauphin families have gone through a lot in a very short amount of time. Now more than ever, they need an optimistic path forward with real, practical solutions,” Gillis said.
“I’m ready to deliver that leadership as part of a Progressive Conservative team.”
The 44th Manitoba general election will be held no later than Oct. 5, 2027.