After 15 years of public service, eight of which were spent as a Rural Municipality of Dauphin councillor and seven as the MLA for Dauphin, Brad Michaleski is hanging up his suit jacket and putting on some running shoes.
“I’m going to definitely chase some grandkids around a little bit more,” Michaleski said, following his decision to not run in this fall’s Manitoba general election. “My wife and I made some long-term plans many years ago and we sort of took a detour with my political part of our lives. This was not an easy decision, but it’s the best decision for me and my family at this time. Now, it’s time to take a step back and spend some much-needed quality time with my family.”
Michaleski said it has been an honour to serve the area in Manitoba Legislature, adding being a part of government has provided him a tremendous perspective on “how things work.”
Premier Heather Stefanson, Michaleski said, has made tremendous progress since being elected the leader of the party and becoming premier of Manitoba in 2021.
“She does not always get the credit she deserves, yet every day she gets up and continues making life better for Manitobans,” he said, adding he is confident Manitobans will see that and elect a third consecutive Progressive Conservative government this fall.
And while he is calling it quits, there are many aspects of working within government that Michaleski will miss.
While the negative side of politics and governance are what people see most in the media, Michaleski said the vast majority of his time under the dome in Winnipeg has been spent dealing with constructive people who are trying to help out. There will be days, he said when he will wish he was still involved.
The future of the Parkland is bright, Michaleski said, and he is honoured to have had an opportunity to help shape that future.
“It is an honour I will forever cherish. I love this city and the entire Parkland region. I’m looking forward to just finishing off strongly with our government,” Michaleski said. “I have enjoyed myself with this role. I never imagined that I would have had this life experience, whether it was municipal government or provincial, and it has been an absolute highlight. My reasons for retiring from public life are personal, but I know that it is the right time.”
