Manitoba’s Progressive Conservative party has named Kelvin Goertzen as their interim leader — and the province’s new premier.
In a statement sent to media Tuesday the party said caucus members have selected the Steinbach MLA to replace Brian Pallister.
“There was healthy dialogue and discussion at this meeting on the future of our caucus and a desired path forward for an interim leader,” said caucus chair Greg Nesbitt in a party release.
“It was unanimously decided that Kelvin Goertzen is the best person to lead us through this interim period until a new leader is selected in the fall.”
Nesbitt says he has notified the Lieutenant Governor of the caucus’ decision.
Goertzen will step into the new role and become Manitoba’s 23rd premier Wednesday morning, after Pallister officially resigns from the roles.
But he isn’t expected to hold onto the jobs for long.
The Progressive Conservative party has set an Oct. 30 date to elect a new permanent leader, who will then become Manitoba’s 24th premier.
So far, former member of Parliament Shelly Glover, former health minister Heather Stefanson and Tory backbencher Shannon Martin have said they plan to run for the permanent job.
Pallister, 67, said earlier in the month he was preparing to step down, and Sunday announced plans to do it early to ensure there was no appearance he was influencing the election of his successor.
Goertzen has remained neutral in the Tory leadership race.
Goertzen was first elected as an MLA in 2003 and has previously served as Minister of Health, Seniors and Active Living and Minister of Education.
In January Goertzen was appointed Minister of Legislative and Public Affairs and Deputy Premier of Manitoba.
–With files from The Canadian Press