Eileen Clarke: ‘I can’t wait to get started’

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Published on Thursday, May 12, 2016

Photo by Tracey Goncalves, Manitoba Government. New MLA and cabinet minister Eileen Clarke (fourth from left), stands with the rest of cabinet following their swearing in ceremony on May 3.

By Kate Jackman-Atkinson

Neepawa Banner/Neepawa Press

It’s been an exciting week for new Agassiz MLA Eileen Clarke.  Clarke, who served two terms as Gladstone’s mayor, was named Minister of Indigenous and Municipal Relations on May 2 and didn’t waste time getting to know her portfolio’s stakeholders.

Clarke, and the other MLAs, spent their first week on the job getting accustomed to their new offices and staff and taking part in orientation and training. “We have a great group of people, MLAs and caucus. They’re an easy going, friendly bunch. They are respectful, positive and full of energy, it’s so great to feel that.  I’m so happy for the province, I think [the voters] got it right,” she  said.

Training is an important priority for the government, with the PC Party winning 40 out of the province’s 57 seats, many people are representing their constituencies in the Legislature for the first time.  “There were so many newly elected MLAs,” said Clarke.  Not only are many of the MLAs new, after being out of power for 16 years, none of the government’s ministers have cabinet experience. Clarke plans to draw upon her AMM experience at the cabinet table, “It’s a different level, but the protocol is exactly the same as at AMM,” she said.

For Clarke, who served on the Association of Manitoba Municipalities executive, including being elected vice president in 2010, her portfolio presents a sought after opportunity. “I’m pretty excited,” she said, adding, “In my wildest dreams, I did not expect to be Minister of Indigenous and Municipal Relations.” 

Clarke explained that finding out about her cabinet post happened very quickly. She said that Sunday evening, May 1, she got a call telling her to be in Winnipeg on Monday morning. “That [in Winnipeg] was when I received the news that I would be in cabinet,” she said. The cabinet was sworn in on Tuesday. She said that despite speculation and many people saying that she would be the municipal affairs minister, “It was not expected… There were a lot of good people to pick from… I’m thrilled, I didn’t expect it.”

With a little over a week to go before the speech from the throne, Clarke said she will be spending the time getting to know her portfolio’s stakeholders. One such person was Robert Wavey, who will be the deputy minister of Indigenous relations within the department. Clarke said that the long-time civil servant, who headed up the department when it was called Manitoba Aboriginal and Northern Affairs, will be a big help.

Clarke has already begun to meet local Indigenous leaders, who she said have been very encouraging about mentoring her and working with her.

As for the Municipal Affairs portion of her portfolio, Clarke said that there are many familiar faces, “many people I worked with in municipal politics, the partnerships with municipalities are still there.” In the week leading up to the throne speech, Clarke will continue to meet with stakeholders from both sides of her portfolio to better understand their situations and challenges. “I have one week to meet people, I’m excited,” she said.

As for the future, Clarke is ready to roll up her sleeves. “I can’t wait to get started,” she said.