U of M welcomes new education minister
Award-winning teacher Peter Bjornson replaces James Allum
On November 3, 2014 Premier Greg Selinger announced changes to his cabinet. In the shuffle Peter Bjornson, MLA for Gimli, was named the new Minister of Education and Advanced Learning, replacing James Allum, who was named Minister of Justice.
Education is nothing new for Minister Bjornson as he was a teacher for 13 years before making the leap into provincial politics in 2003. Over his teaching career in Gimli, Minister Bjornson won numerous awards such as the Queen’s Jubilee Medal, the Governor General’s Award for Excellence in Teaching Canadian and the Prime Minister’s Award.
His experience was recognized as an asset for the government, and shortly after being elected in 2003 he entered cabinet as Minister of Education, Citizenship and Youth, a position he held until 2009. He has also been Minister of Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade, and Minister of Housing and Community Development.
Minister Bjornson is also a two-time alumnus of the University of Manitoba, completing his Bachelor of Arts in 1988 and his Bachelor of Education in 1990.
“The University of Manitoba welcomes Minister Bjornson to the portfolio and we look forward to working with him,” said University of Manitoba Vice-President (External) John Kearsey. “His background in education will certainly be an asset, as will his familiarity with the University of Manitoba as an alumnus. I would also like to thank Minister Allum for his work as Minister of Education and Advanced Learning and wish him success in his new role.”
A complete list of the new cabinet can be found at: http://www.gov.mb.ca/legislature/members/cabinet_ministers.html