February 17, 2026

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Susan Penner Announces Intention to Seek PC Nomination for MLA of Steinbach

 

Steinbach, MB - Susan Penner, City Councillor for Steinbach, has announced her intention to seek the Progressive Conservative nomination for Member of the Legislative Assembly in the Steinbach constituency.

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Penner says her decision comes from years of listening to residents, hearing from businesses, and a growing conviction that the Steinbach constituency needs strong, relationship-driven leadership at the provincial level.

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“Steinbach, Mitchell, and Blumenort are growing quickly, and growth brings both opportunities and challenges,” said Penner. “I’m running because I believe our constituency deserves an MLA who is deeply engaged, collaborative, and focused on real outcomes, especially when it comes to healthcare, economic development, and safety.”

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As a current Steinbach city councillor, Penner has worked closely with local leaders, businesses, and provincial partners on issues affecting everyday life in Steinbach. She says her approach as MLA would be the same: show up, listen carefully, and work across lines to get results.

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Healthcare and Doctor Recruitment

Penner identifies healthcare as one of the most urgent issues facing the region. “Families shouldn’t have to leave their community to find a family doctor,” she said. “We need practical, rural-focused solutions that recruit and retain physicians and strengthen local healthcare services.”

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“As a city councillor, I’ve been actively working with mayor Earl Funk in advocating for doctor recruitment and improved healthcare access in Steinbach. We’ve met with provincial officials, supported recruitment initiatives, and are working to ensure Steinbach is positioned as a community where physicians want to live, work, and raise their families.”

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Penner says she has learned doctor recruitment doesn’t happen by accident. It takes coordination, persistence, and strong relationships between municipalities, the province, and healthcare partners.

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Economic Development and Jobs

 

With the Steinbach region continuing to attract new residents and businesses, Penner says the province must be an active partner in supporting sustainable growth. “On city council, I’ve worked alongside the mayor and council to support economic development initiatives, infrastructure planning, and business-friendly policies that allow local employers to grow and attract workers. I’ve seen firsthand how provincial decisions directly impact economic development in the Steinbach constituency and want to promote policies that allow businesses to grow and thrive, including phasing out the payroll tax, attracting skilled workers, and ensuring infrastructure keeps pace with our growth.”

 

Safety is Foundational to a Strong Community

 

When it comes to safety, Penner notes that Steinbach, Mitchell, and Blumenort have long been places where families feel secure, neighbours look out for one another, and people are proud of the community they call home. She says, ‘Keeping our communities safe is essential and can be done by using a combination of effective policing, holding offenders accountable, and by addressing the root causes of crime.”

 

Penner says that most people are good, law-abiding citizens who deserve to be safe in their communities and homes. “It is essential that the justice system prioritize the rights of the public over those who commit crimes. Changes need to be made to restore public safety and trust.”  

 

Building Strong Relationships

 

Penner believes effective MLAs are connectors, people who can bring communities, municipalities, and government together. “My strength is building trust and working constructively with others. Steinbach needs an MLA who can advocate firmly while still building the relationships that get things done.”

 

Mayor Earl Funk agrees and is throwing his support behind Penner. “I’ve had the opportunity to work with Susan for over 15 years on council. During this time, she has proven herself to be a diligent and extremely hard-working councillor. She has consistently been dedicated to finding solutions for the challenges that arise in our city and is making a real difference in the lives of people in our community. In a time when we are witnessing both federal and provincial politics becoming increasingly partisan and divisive, I believe that Susan’s style of leadership will be able to break down walls and build bridges at the provincial level.”

 

Former city councillor Cari Penner echoes Mayor Funk’s endorsement.  “While Susan and I did not always agree on the issues being considered, I grew to respect her ability to listen to different sides of the argument, keep an open mind and remain true to her own values.  I saw her sense of fairness and justice guide her decision-making process, and the strength of her convictions apparent in her political and personal life.  She will bring a steady, strong presence to the office of the Manitoba Legislature.”

A Fresh, Inclusive Style of Leadership

 

Penner says if nominated, her campaign will focus on collaboration and forward-looking leadership. “I want to represent the Steinbach constituency with competence and determination, ensuring Steinbach has a strong and effective voice in the Legislature.”