This October 19-21, the MGEU will hold its Bi-annual Convention, and the delegate(s) elected by each local earlier this year will elect the union’s Provincial Officers. 

The following candidates have declared their intent to seek election of a Provincial Officer position on The MGEU’s Board of Directors as of July 31, 2023.

We will continue to add any candidates who declare their intent to seek election here.

Please take the time to find out more about each candidate and decide who you feel best represents you and your fellow members.

Candidates for Election
(as of July 31, 2023)

Candidates for President - Kyle Ross (incumbent)

Kyle Ross (incumbent)

Hello fellow MGEU Members,

I’m MGEU President Kyle Ross and I’m honored to let my name stand for re-election as your President.

This past term we have reshaped many important parts of our union, but the main thing we reshaped was our strike toolbox. We have created the strike tools to position ourselves for the many future rounds of bargaining that will come. These tools give our members the opportunity to be brave and stand up for fair deals. Our members are more empowered than ever to take on their employers. We have seen this over the last year and my mission is to continue this long into our future.

We have come a long way in just 1 term, but we need to continue our transformation into a union that is responsive to the ever changing needs of membership. We have taken steps in the right direction but we have plenty of room to grow and improve. I will continue to work with the board of directors to create the path to success.

When I was elected I pledged to empower our locals within the MGEU. I believe that we are starting to see the success that this can bring. We have more than 30,000 members and in the last year and a half we have shown that we can effect change on provincial policies that affect us when we communicate and work together.

For more info voteKyleRoss.com,

Email: kyle@voteKyleRoss.com or Phone/Text @ 204-371-6949

Candidates for 1st Vice President - Cris Quon, Stephanie Swain

Cris Quon

My name is Cris Quon and I have been a MGEU member since 1996 when hired on with Civil Service. Over the last two years I have had the distinct honour of serving the MGEU as your Third Vice President. I am seeking your support for another term, albeit in this offering I aspire to be elected into the position of First Vice President.

We are tired, but yet we put on our brave faces every day and show up for our clients, patients, and those we serve. We stand bravely on the front lines of our respective workplaces often with nothing more than empty promises from our employers.

Our bargaining teams have gone to the table knowing that your priorities are higher wages in the face of ever-increasing inflation, stronger benefits including a desire for significantly stronger mental health coverage, and stronger language protecting you against ever increasing workloads.

I have held the strike line with you to achieve a fair contract. I stand up so others do not get stepped on.

I believe that we the MGEU workers are ready to fight for ourselves, our families, and our communities.

Your vote for me to this position will be a call to action for equity, equality, and inclusion at every level with your employers and within the union. It will also mean that you will have someone in your corner who will never stop fighting for your rights and your safety.

Thank you for your consideration. VoteQUON1stVP@gmail.com

Stephanie Swain

My name is Stephanie Swain, and I’m running for MGEU 1st  Vice President. I have been an MGEU member for 19 years out of Local 178: St. Amant Community Programs. Currently Local President, I was also Chief Steward for 11 years. I’ve been on the Board of Directors for 7 years, as Director of the Community-Based Social Services component, and currently, as 4th Vice President.

As an MGEU activist, I’ve also been involved in campaigns, picket lines, community and national events, and a number of committees and councils. I previously sat on the Resolutions Committee and was member and Chair of the Young Members Committee. Currently, I sit on the Constitution, Bylaw, and Structure, the Grievance and Appeals, and the Equality and Human Rights Committees, and am Chair of the Women’s Committee. I am also a delegate to the Winnipeg Labour Council, where I sit on the Action and Engagement Committee and have acted as Trustee in past years. 

Not only do my years of union activity demonstrate my dedication to my fellow members, but the wide range of my union activism has also given me vast knowledge and experience in numerous areas of MGEU. 1st Vice President not only chairs the Constitution, Bylaw, and Structure Committee, but also needs to perform the duties of President, when necessary. 1st VP is a very important role, and it is important that the person who fills this role has the experience and knowledge necessary. This is why I have put my name forward for 1st Vice President.

Candidates for 2nd Vice President - Kim Lynn (incumbent)

Kim Lynn

Hello, my name is Kim Lynn, I am currently your MGEU 2nd Vice-President. 

For those of you that don’t know me, I am a mother of two, grandmother of four, and soon to be great grandmother.  I am a half-time Library Clerk and half-time Union Officer for Assiniboine Community College.  I have been at ACC for 30 years; 22 in a unionized position. 

As a union activist I have taken most of the MGEU educationals and I have been co-facilitating for about 10 years.  I really enjoy co-facilitating and the opportunity to spend time with our members and share my experiences and listen to theirs as well.

 I was elected President of my Local in 2007 (a position I still hold today).  I have been Post-Secondary Component Vice-Chair, Chair, Director (3 terms), Area 3 Director, and a Health & Safety Steward.  I have been a member or Chair of various committees over the years including Women’s, Grievance & Appeals, Constitution & Bylaws and Equity & Human Rights. 

I currently Chair the Finance Committee.   I am a linear thinker and completion driven (I see things through to the end).  I am detail-oriented, devoted and passionate about members issues, a stickler for details and I am always concerned/aware of the bottom-line.  I will listen to your idea/issue, give it careful consideration, weigh the pros and cons, before I come up with an answer for you.  I take my responsibility of stewarding the money of our 34,000 members very seriously.

I am hoping you will support me in my bid for re-election.

Candidates for 3rd Vice President - Kirk Carr, Dana Troke

Kirk Carr

Greetings, my name is Kirk Carr, and I’m proudly running for the position of 3rd Vice President. I’m currently the Chief Steward of Local 403 Prairie Mountain Health Community Support, President of the Brandon & District Labour Council (since 2018), and the Brandon Area Vice President for the Manitoba Federation of Labour, I bring a wealth of experience and a proven track record of leadership. Since joining the MGEU in 2006, I’ve held many positions but I find as Chief Steward being able to provide guidance, mentorship, and witnessing the remarkable growth of fellow stewards has given me an unparalleled sense of fulfillment and satisfaction. 

With a strong passion for education and a great commitment to empowering our membership, I’m confident in my ability to serve as your 3rd Vice President. My focus will be on enhancing and expanding our educational offerings, working to make them more accessible and flexible for our membership. Our committee will proactively identify emerging needs and ensure MGEU programs are responsive and impactful. For instance, we can introduce one-hour topical educational sessions conducted online, catering to busy schedules.  

I wish to thoroughly review our scholarships and application process to modernize and increase participation. This will encourage greater engagement and ensure that the scholarships truly benefit those in need.

By advocating for the growth and development of our members, we can cultivate a vibrant culture of lifelong learning within our union. I humbly ask for your vote to put me to work

Email: kirkfor3rd@gmail.com, call/text 1-204-688-2791

Dana Troke

I would like to introduce myself my name is Dana Troke, I am running for 3rd Vice President. I currently hold the position of President for PMH Community Support Local 403 and I am the Area 3 Director. I have been a MGEU since 2012. I have held the positions of Chief Steward; Component Vice Chair and I have been on the health and safety committee.

I live in Boissevain with my husband. I like to help out in my community when I can by volunteering with our local animal rescue and at our theatre. Everyone who knows me and understands that my activism is an integral part of who I am. I will stand up and speak out when necessary.

What makes me the best candidate for 3rd Vice President? I have a Bachelor of Education, so I am very familiar with curriculum and learning objectives. I believe that education is important. I also understand that there are different learning styles. MGEU has some good courses for the members. I want to ensure that the courses that MGEU is offering are relevant and fit different learning styles for all our members. I am honest and I will always tell it like it is. If I see an issue, I will address it. I am dedicated to representing the MGEU and all its members in the most professional way possible.

Thank you for taking the time to read my bio. I look forward to meeting you at convention!

Candidates for 4th Vice President - JP Lapointe

JP Lapointe

I have been an activist for a long time now. Many of you have met me along the way.

I have enjoyed meeting you and hearing your concerns and ideas. I believe, deeply, in dialogue, and listening to learn your perspectives. I hope to bring yours with me as a vice president of our union, to speak for and with you.

I've been a Local Vice President, a Chief Steward, a Local President, a component Chair.

And lastly I was a Director.

But the most important two roles I've held are Steward and Delegate. Stewards are the backbone of our movement. Helping others, sharing information and attending meetings.

So many meetings.

Being a delegate to help guide and shape the direction of our union.

Thank you all for volunteering to help by being delegates. I value your time, and your participation.

See you soon.