The MLA for Lakeside wants to spend more time with his family
By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com
A familiar face in the Manitoba legislature is leaving public life next year.
Ralph Eichler, the MLA for Lakeside since June 2003, announced on Oct. 4 he will not seek re-election in 2023.
A combination of reasons played into his decision, the 72-year-old said, citing wanting to spend more time with family and enjoy his health.
“I had a bit of a health scare last year and I couldn’t be in better shape now,” he said, Global News reported. “I listened to the doctors, and I’ve lost 40-some pounds. I feel fantastic so let’s take advantage of it and move on to some things on my bucket list.”
Eichler held multiple cabinet positions during his time in office.
Eichler served as minister of agriculture twice.
Once from May 3, 2016, to Oct. 23, 2019, and again from July 15, 2021, to Jan. 18, 2022. Premier Brian Pallister appointed him to that post both times.
In addition to his time as ag minister, Premier Pallister appointed Eichler as the minister of economic development and jobs (Jan. 15, 2021, to July 15, 2021), and as minister of economic development and training (Oct. 23, 2019, to Jan. 5, 2021.)
Eichler announcing his departure now is by design.
The Conservatives have held the Lakeside riding since 1969, and Eichler wants to see that trend continue.
“I want to keep our seat in Lakeside a conservative seat,” he said, Global News reported. “They have time to find somebody. I know the premier has been pushing us to make a decision, and I want to support as much as I can.”
Eichler is the third Conservative MLA to announce their departure from provincial politics.
Scott Fielding, who served as minister of finance and natural resources, resigned in June to pursue opportunities in the private sector.
And Eileen Clarke, minister of Indigenous and municipal relations, announced in August she won’t be seeking re-election next October.