Jim Rondeau

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Jim Rondeau (born April 6, 1959) is a politician in Manitoba, Canada. He has been a member of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba since 1999, and is currently a cabinet minister in the provincial government of Gary Doer. Rondeau is a member of the New Democratic Party.

Contents

[edit] Early life and career

Rondeau was born in Winnipeg, and was educated at John Taylor Collegiate, the University of Winnipeg and the University of Manitoba. He was a teacher at Norway House High School from 1981 to 1984, and subsequently taught at Cranberry Portage before working as coordinator of the Frontier School Division at the University of Winnipeg. He helped to set up several learning centres and libraries throughout the province,[1] and founded a school-to-work transition program for young people from northern Manitoba.[2] He also coached the Winnipeg Eagles Volleyball Club, and was coach and manager of the Manitoba Volleyball team in several North American Aboriginal Games.[3]

[edit] Politician

Government backbencher

Rondeau was elected to the Manitoba legislature in the 1999 provincial election, following a dramatic upset win in the west-end Winnipeg riding of Assiniboia. The seat had previously been considered safe for the Progressive Conservative Party, and no candidate of the New Democratic Party had ever won the riding before.[4] The final vote totals on election night showed a victory for Progressive Conservative incumbent Linda McIntosh by only two votes.[5] After the votes from hospital patients and prisoners were counted, however, Rondeau was declared the winner by six votes.[6] A recount later reduced his majority to four votes, and a subsequent judicial ruling struck it down to three.[7]

Rondeau entered the legislature as a backbench supporter of Gary Doer's government, and soon developed a reputation as a strong constituency worker.[8] He remained interested in educational issues, and was a frequent participant in debates at the St. James-Assiniboia School Board.[9] He represented the provincial government at Manitoba's Hire a Student Day in 2001,.[10] and was appointed as a board member of Junior Achievement of Manitoba two years later with responsibility for Government, Education and Labor Relations.[11] Rondeau also played an important role in assuring passage of the provincial Canadian Forces Personnel Act.[12]

Rondeau is the first openly gay member of the Manitoba legislature, and was the keynote speaker of Winnipeg's 2000 Gay Pride Parade.[13] He encouraged the Doer government to introduce full legal equality for gay and lesbian couples, and strongly supported 2002 government legislation that introduced full equality for all common-law relationships.[14] He later became a vocal supporter of same-sex marriage, which was legalized in Canada in 2005.[15] Rondeau has said that his sexual orientation has never been controversial in his constituency, telling a journalist, "People don't care one way or the other. I'm surprised, pleasantly surprised, that people don't make it an issue."[16]

Rondeau suffered a personal tragedy in July 2000, when much of his house was destroyed in a fire. He was not home at the time, and no-one was injured.[17]

Rondeau supported Jack Layton for the leadership of the federal New Democratic Party in 2003.

Minister of Healthy Living

Rondeau's narrow victory in 1999 made his seat a key Progressive Conservative target in the 2003 election, but he was re-elected with 63% of the vote, winning every poll save one. In November 2003, he was appointed as Minister of Healthy Living within the Department of Health, with responsibility for Seniors and Healthy Child Manitoba. He became a strong advocate of public awareness and preventative medicine, [18] indicating that his government would consider removing the provincial sales tax from nutritional supplements and alternative foods.[19]

In December 2003, Rondeau announced that Manitoba would ban smoking in indoor public places and workplaces within a year. This was described as the most ambitious anti-smoking strategy in Canada, and a poll from February 2004 showed that many smokers were considering quitting due to the ban.[20] Rondeau introduced the anti-smoking bill in March 2004, and the ban came into effect at the beginning of October.[21] The bill exempted tobacco shops as well as native reserves and casinos, which the government argued were outside the provincial jurisdiction.[22]

In March 2004, Rondeau announced a $2.5-million contract to create a Prostate Centre at CancerCare Manitoba on behalf of Minister of Health Dave Chomiak.[23] He later handled negotiations as to whether or not the Manitoba government would provide funding for an abortion clinic in Winnipeg.[24] After some initial resistance, he announced in July 2004 that the government would fully fund abortions at Jane's Clinic, a renamed clinic once owned by Henry Morgentaler.[25] In late April 2004, Rondeau announced that the provincial government would pay for child vaccinations against chicken pox, meningitis and pneumococcus.[26]

In May 2004, Rondeau and Fort Garry representative Kerri Irvin-Ross co-chaired public hearings on Manitoba's privacy laws in May 2004.[27] Later in the year, he announced that the government would establish a "Healthy Kids, Healthy Futures" committee of the legislature.[28]

Minister of Industry, Economic Development and Mines

Rondeau was promoted to a full portfolio on October 12, 2004, as Minister of Industry, Economic Development and Mines. He indicated that Manitoba had the potential for strong economic growth in the mining sector, due to the need for raw materials in countries such as India and China. He announced that he would work to reduce government bureaucracy, and make it easier for mining projects to get underway.[29] The mining sector reported dramatic growth in 2005, highlighted by new investment from Inco and a new gold mine project in Bissett.[30] Rondeau also announced funding increases for biotechnology and life sciences.[31]

Rondeau launched a farm immigration program in February 2005, making it easier for young farmers to move to Manitoba.[32] He later expanded oil exploration, removing the sales tax for drilling and exploration equipment.[33] Manitoba's oil sector grew at a record level in 2006, with 478 new wells started.[34]

In 2004-05, Rondeau accused the federal government and federal Health Minister Ujjal Dosanjh of undermining Manitoba's online pharmaceutical industry, which was then shipping large quantities of medication to the United States of America.[35] He argued that the government should compensate Manitoba for lost jobs if it chose to shut down the sector.[36] Rondeau later said he would support a ban on bulk exports, but added that further government intervention was unnecessary.[37]

Rondeau announced plans to combat administrative red tape in March 2006. He said that his department would list regulations for all levels of government on a common website, and remove those which could not be justified.[38]

As Industry minister, Rondeau was responsible for overseeing the troubled Crocus Investment Fund, and faced difficult questions relating to the fund's management in early 2005.[39] He argued that the province established rules and guidelines for the fund to follow, but had no involvement in its day-to-day operations.[40]

Minister of Energy, Science, Technology and Mines

After a cabinet shuffle on September 21, 2006, Rondeau was reassigned as Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mines. Soon after his appointment, he announced that his government would spend $70 to clean up the province's abandoned mines.[41]

Rondeau criticized the environmental strategy of Prime Minister Stephen Harper's Conservative government in late 2006, saying that Harper was not moving as assertively on the issue as the previous federal government.[42] The following year, however, he indicated that Manitoba's share of a $1.5 billion federal Eco-Trust and Clean Air Fund will be at least $50 million, and could reach $100 million.[43] He has said that the money will go to developing hydrogren technology for buses and providing energy efficiency programs for low-income Manitobans.

In February 2007, Rondeau announced that the Doer government was exploring the possibility of establishing a wind turbine to promote environmentally clean energy in Manitoba.[44] He has also announced that anyone who registers an energy-efficient hybrid vehicle in Manitoba between 15 November 2006 and 15 November 2008 will receive a $2,000 rebate from the provincial government.[45]

Rondeau supports a proposed east-west Canadian power grid,[46] and welcomed a March 2007 report from the Fraser Institute which listed Manitoba as having the best policy environment in the world for mining investment and exploration.[47]

[edit] External links

[edit] Table of offices held

Provincial Government of Gary Doer
Cabinet Posts (2)
Predecessor Office Successor
himself, Dave Chomiak* Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mines
(2006-)
 incumbent
Scott Smith Minister of Industry, Economic Development and Mines
(2004-2006)
 himself, Scott Smith*
Special Cabinet Responsibilities
Predecessor Title Successor
position created in 2003 Minister responsible for Healthy Child Manitoba
(2003-2004)
 Theresa Oswald
Diane McGifford Minister responsible for Seniors
(2003-2004)
 Theresa Oswald
position created in 2003 Minister responsible for Healthy Living
(2003-2004)
This was a subset of the Ministry of Health.		 Theresa Oswald
Preceded by
Linda McIntosh		 Member of the Legislative Assembly for Assiniboia
1999-		 Succeeded by
incumbent

[edit] Electoral record

2003 Manitoba provincial election : Assiniboia edit
Party Candidate Votes % +/- Expenditures
     New Democratic Party (x)Jim Rondeau 5,147 63.05 +18.81 $24,846.66
     Progressive Conservative Dennis Wishanski 2,257 27.65 -16.55 $23,921.25
     Liberal Monique Graboski 657 8.05 -3.51 $5,664.36
     Green Jesse Tottle 102 1.25 $14.14
Total valid votes 8,163 100.00
Rejected and declined ballots 22
Turnout 8,185 59.87 -12.50
Electors on the lists 13,671


1999 Manitoba provincial election : Assiniboia edit
Party Candidate Votes % +/- Expenditures
     New Democratic Party Jim Rondeau 4,347 44.24 $12,989.00
     Progressive Conservative (x)Linda McIntosh 4,344 44.20 $26,190.58
     Liberal J. Deborah Shiloff 1,136 11.56 $5,744.56
Total valid votes 9,827 100.00
Rejected and declined ballots 53
Turnout 9,880 72.37
Electors on the lists 13,653

All Manitoba divisions were redistributed before the 1999 election.

All electoral information is taken from Elections Manitoba. Expenditure entries refer to individual candidate expenses.

[edit] Footnotes

  1. ^ Nick Martin, "Summer reading in cards for pupils", Winnipeg Free Press, 19 May 2002, A4; Nick Martin, "Literacy programs reap happy harvest", Winnipeg Free Press, 9 September 2002, A12.
  2. ^ Allison Bray, "Getting a feel for the job", Winnipeg Free Press, 29 March 1996, A10.
  3. ^ Aldo Santin, "Everything isn't just Ducky", Winnipeg Free Press, 26 April 1995; Marvin MacDonald, "Young swimmer's showing earns spot on national team", Winnipeg Free Press, 30 July 1993; Kim Guttormson, "Politicians jump at chance to aid Games' success", Winnipeg Free Press, 1 August 2002, A7.
  4. ^ The Assiniboia area had, however, elected Labour and Cooperative Commonwealth Federation MLAs before 1961. These parties were antecedents to the NDP.
  5. ^ "Northwest Winnipeg", Winnipeg Free Press, 22 September 1999, B3.
  6. ^ "Institutional vote bolsters to NDP majority", Globe and Mail, 25 September 1999, A5; David Kuxhaus, "NDP gains another seat", Winnipeg Free Press, 25 September 1999.
  7. ^ "McIntosh appeals...", Winnipeg Free Press, 20 October 1999, A8; "Rondeau cements Assiniboia victory", Winnipeg Free Press, 30 October 1999, A8. Rondeau indicated that one of the disqualified votes was marked with a happy face symbol instead of an "X".
  8. ^ David Kuxhaus, "Manitoba Tories start long march to recapturing key PC constituency", Winnipeg Free Press, 12 September 2002, A4.
  9. ^ Some board members resented his involvement. See "School board feuding with MLA Rondeau interfering: St. James chairman", Winnipeg Free Press, 23 October 2000, A12.
  10. ^ "Looking for summer help? Students eager to get jobs", Winnipeg Free Press, 6 May 2001, A4.
  11. ^ "Manitoba movers", Winnipeg Free Press, 14 April 2003, B9.
  12. ^ Jim Rondeau: Meet Jim, accessed 12 January 2007.
  13. ^ "Exhibits, events highlight gay week", Winnipeg Free Press, 13 June 2000, A8.
  14. ^ "NDP gallops ahead on gay rights", Winnipeg Free Press, 8 June 2002, A14.
  15. ^ Patti Edgar, "300 rally to back gay marriage", Winnipeg Free Press, 6 October 2003, A3.
  16. ^ Aldo Santin, "NDP in fight for hard-won seat", Winnipeg Free Press, 24 May 2003, A11.
  17. ^ "MLA calm after blaze destroys his home", Winnipeg Free Press, 25 July 2000, A3.
  18. ^ Mia Rabson, "New minister taking a healthy approach", Winnipeg Free Press, 8 December 2003, B5.
  19. ^ Daniel Lett, "Healthier foods may get PST break", Winnipeg Free Press, 10 May 2004, B5.
  20. ^ "Can province enforce smoking ban?", Winnipeg Free Press, 24 November 2003, B2; Leah Janzen, "Ban spurs smokers to quit: poll", Winnipeg Free Press, 12 February 2004, A3. See also Leah Janzen, "Teen smoking plunges in province", Winnipeg Free Press, 10 August 2004, A1.
  21. ^ "Manitoba and New Brunswick banned smoking in all public places", CTV News, 1 October 2004.
  22. ^ Mia Rabson, "Smoking ban 'historic'", Winnipeg Free Press, 3 March 2004, A1; "Smokers won't be completely out in the cold once Manitoba's new anti-smoking law takes effect", Broadcast News, 4 March 2004, 19:23.
  23. ^ Mia Rabson, "Cancer battle given boost", Winnipeg Free Press, B7.
  24. ^ Patti Edgar, "Clinic asks province to pay for abortions", Winnipeg Free Press, 11 April 2004, A3.
  25. ^ Daniel Lett, "Province funding abortions at clinic", Winnipeg Free Press, 8 July 2004, A1.
  26. ^ Mia Rabson, "Children will get vaccines for free", Winnipeg Free Press, 28 April 2004, A1.
  27. ^ "Privacy laws under attack", Winnipeg Free Press, 15 May 2004, A3.
  28. ^ Mia Rabson, "Government wants to get kids off the couch", Winnipeg Free Press, 1 September 2004, A4.
  29. ^ Goeff Kirbyson, "Miners locate optimism", Winnipeg Free Press, 20 November 2004, C9.
  30. ^ Murray McNeill, "Mining exploration soars in province", Winnipeg Free Press, 6 July 2005, B7; Tara Perkins, "Inco to develop new nickel ore body at the Thompson mine in Manitoba", Canadian Press, 29 August 2005, 15:14; Bill Redekop, "Bissett going for gold: Biggest mine to open in 15 years creates jobs, hope", Winnipeg Free Press, 19 November 2005, B6.
  31. ^ Martin Cash, "$25-M fund gives boost to biotech firms ", Winnipeg Free Press, 27 November 2004, C11.
  32. ^ "MB Adds Farm Component To Nominee Program", Resource News International, 8 February 2005, 15:05; Bill Redekop, "Province luring foreign farmers", Winnipeg Free Press, 9 February 2005, A6.
  33. ^ Martin Cash, "Province to eliminate sales tax on oil exploration equipment", Winnipeg Free Press, 9 March 2006, B5.
  34. ^ Mia Rabson, "Oil industry shatters record 478 new wells dug last year in Manitoba", Winnipeg Free Press, 16 January 2007, A3.
  35. ^ Mia Robson, "Feds would kill city jobs to safeguard drug supply", Winnipeg Free Press, 19 December 2006, A1.
  36. ^ Paul Egan, "Pay up for lost Net jobs, feds told", Winnipeg Free Press, 8 January 2005, A1.
  37. ^ Michelle MacAfee, "Online pharmacists hope to make fresh start with new Tory government", Canadian Press, 5 February 2006, 15:57.
  38. ^ Mia Rabson, "Red-tape relief vowed: Rondeau to bring in Bizpal, a web-based service", Winnipeg Free Press, 16 March 2006, B4.
  39. ^ Paul Egan, "Ministers rebuff call to dump Crocus director", Winnipeg Free Press, 12 April 2005, A3.
  40. ^ "Man. government won't be named in class-action suit by Crocus shareholders", Canadian Press, 9 July 2005, 21:03; Larry Kusch, "Crocus class action won't touch province", Winnipeg Free Press, 10 July 2005, A1.
  41. ^ Mia Rabson, "$70M set aside to clean up toxic mine sites", Winnipeg Free Press, 29 September 2006, A6.
  42. ^ Paul Samyn, "Manitoba pans green plan East-west grid isn't mentioned", Winnipeg Free Press, 20 October 2006, A5.
  43. ^ Mia Rabson, "Province has wish list for federal green cash", Winnipeg Free Press, 15 February 2007, A3.
  44. ^ "Forks looks to harness the wind", Winnipeg Free Press, 3 February 2007, B1.
  45. ^ Steve Pona, "Provincial rebates offered for hybrids", Winnipeg Free Press, 6 February 2007, B7.
  46. ^ Mia Rabson, "Province has wish list for federal green cash", Winnipeg Free Press, 15 February 2007, A3.
  47. ^ Murray McNeill, "Province best for mining: study", Winnipeg Free Press, 6 March 2007, B3.
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