Minister of Education, Citizenship and Youth

Peter Bjornson Minister of Education, Citizenship and Youth

Elected in the June, 2003 general election, Peter Bjornson was appointed the Minister of Education, Citizenship & Youth by Premier Gary Doer on November 4, 2003. A lifelong resident of the Interlake, Peter currently resides just north of Gimli with his wife, two young sons, and baby daughter. A teacher by profession, Peter devoted 13 years of his life to his students.

Peter’s involvement at the scholastic level has included coaching volleyball and basketball, assisting with student council, and participating in the drug and alcohol policy, school improvement, and discipline committees. A teacher advocate and member of the Evergreen Teachers’ Association Executive, Peter served as president in 1996.

Peter has also served as a councilor for the Town of Gimli where he gained valuable experience in local governance. During his term form 1998 to 2002, Gimli saw many improvements made and initiatives undertaken such as upgrades to recreational facilities, and other infrastructure projects such as the harbor park development and a new public works facility. During his term, Peter was a key player in the historic municipal merger between the Town and RM of Gimli. There was also a reduction in municipal taxes during his time on council.

A young entrepreneur, Peter ran a successful small business for 15 years.

Peter was raised in a household where community service wasn’t unique or exceptional, but expected. He has served on the Gimli and District Restitution and Reconciliation Committee for Youth Justice and was president of the Kinsmen Club of Gimli. Peter was also co-chair for two Kinsmen projects that raised capital funds for a new health centre. Furthermore, Peter has represented the town of Gimli on the Gimli Recreation Society, the Icelandic Festival Committee, the Gimli Youth Advisory Board, the Western Canada Summer Games, the Gimli Fire Committee, the Gimli Harbour Committee and the Canada Day Committee. He also served as chairperson of the Parks and Recreation Committee.

Peter’s innovative teaching methods, curiosity, and desire for excellence have been recognized through numerous awards such as the Queen’s Jubilee Medal, the Governor General’s Award for Excellence in Teaching Canadian History (2003 & 2000) and the Prime Minister’s Award in 2001. Peter’s awareness of history and its impact on our province as well as events that may shape our future make him an excellent MLA to represent the constituency of Gimli.