WINNIPEG — Ralph Eichler grew up in a home that didn’t embrace politicians. When he retired at 49, and announced he was entering politics, it didn’t go over well.
“In fact, my father said, ‘How can you do this to our family name?’” said Eichler, who has been a Tory MLA for Lakeside for more than 20 years.
Eventually, the former cabinet minister (holding the agriculture and economic development portfolios) made dad proud, with career highlights such as securing the $550-million Roquette pea protein plant for Portage la Prairie.
Indigenous Reconciliation and Northern Relations Minister Eileen Clarke, who won’t be running in this fall’s provincial election, says she’s glad she was able to leave her role as Indigenous reconciliation minister with relations in a better place. (Photos by Winnipeg Free Press)
Eichler is one of 13 Progressive Conservative MLAs who will not be returning for the next session of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba.
During their last week in the house, some spoke frankly with the Winnipeg Free Press about public service, governing during Manitoba’s worst health and economic crisis, and a growing sense of political discord.
Gladstone businesswoman and former mayor Eileen Clarke ran for office in 2016, seeking to reduce Manitoba’s deficit and ending up on an “amazing” journey of personal growth.
Clarke — who famously resigned as Indigenous and municipal relations minister in 2021 over then-premier Brian Pallister’s comments settlers “didn’t come here to destroy anything. They came here to build. They came to build better” — says she’s glad to leave as Indigenous reconciliation minister with relations in a better place.
“What I’ve seen in the last seven and a half years is unbelievable,” she said in an interview Thursday.
Indigenous leaders are signing agreements with the province and municipalities, working together and sharing revenue, she said. Earlier in the day, Clarke hosted officials from a municipality working on a development project with three First Nations.
“We’re seeing this all over the place, and they’re seeing the benefits of working together,” said the MLA for Agassiz.
“It’s what First Nations have wanted forever: ‘Just give us a bit of what’s actually ours.’ Now, it’s done with such respect and enthusiasm on both sides … It’s so different, it makes my heart explode.”
The fiscal hawk recalled inviting First Nations leaders to meet in her office when she was first appointed to cabinet. “I would tell them, ‘We have no money — we’re in a deficit position. What can we do? How can we help you without money?’”
There was a lot of anger, frustration and sadness — and a lot that was needed, Clarke said.
“They would sit around this table with their heads down and speak so quietly I could hardly hear them. It was heartbreaking knowing what goes on in the municipal world and in our province and (so many) First Nations are barely surviving.”
Clarke said they have developed a relationship that opened doors.
“I felt I didn’t have a lot to give, but I think I gave hope and I think it gave them courage and it gave them respect that I don’t think they’d ever gotten from government,” she said.
“Then I had to go on to the next phase, which was orienting my colleagues and other ministers, and even the premier at that time, to meet with these people and talk with them about the different issues. That took a long time.”
Clarke, who says she’s not a person “to make waves,” still has people approach her about quitting Pallister’s cabinet.
“I had committed when I came into government that I would not compromise my values and one day just tipped the scales: I can’t do this anymore.”
She never expected to hold the Indigenous portfolio again, and feels like she’s leaving after having come full circle.
“It’s not where it should be, but the doors are open … If we don’t talk to each other, we can’t resolve anything.”
Eichler reflected on the 2017 Roquette facility deal as a big win for Manitoba — after some fierce competition with Saskatchewan.
At a later event, then-premier Brad Wall “came over and said ‘Minister Eichler, you stole a company from us. I just love your determination.’ I was like a dog with a bone with them.”
His perseverance and trademark folksy charm were also on display when J.R. Simplot Co., owner of the Portage potato processor, was looking to expand in Walla Walla, Wash. “I said: that ain’t gonna happen.”
It didn’t. The U.S.-based food giant instead expanded in Portage.
The benefits to Manitoba that followed, including markets for farmers and good-paying jobs, are what it’s all about, he said.
“I think it’s a shame that we’re letting our egos get in our way of remembering why we’re here: to represent the people,” Eichler said.
After the COVID-19 pandemic, “the world is a mess,” the political divide is wider than ever and the public is looking for elected officials to work together on their behalf.
“I think it’s time for a refresh,” he said of the partisanship. “People won’t put up with it.”
Eichler is fine with heated debate and holding government to account, but not personal attacks.
“I’ve never, ever intentionally said anything bad about any MLA,” Eichler said. “Anybody who puts their name on a ballot, I have respect for.”
Brandon West MLA Reg Helwer, who held many cabinet portfolios, says helping constituents away from the spotlight was the most fulfilling part of his job.
At 73, he has no desire to retire and may start a consulting firm. “It’s hard leaving, but it’s time for somebody else to take over.”
Eichler also leaves knowing he made his father proud.
“Before he passed away in 2010, he said: ‘Son, you kept your integrity. I’m so proud that you were able to be a politician and get so much done without embarrassing the family.”
First elected in 2011, Portage la Prairie MLA Ian Wishart was schooled as a member of the Opposition for five years and appreciated it.
“I think it’s good for everybody to serve a time in opposition — you learn a lot,” said the former Keystone Agricultural Producers president and cabinet minister, who, while in government, contributed to Portage becoming a food processing hub.
After a dozen years in office, his only regret is the public service isn’t as well-respected, Wishart said, adding the media has played a role in that.
“They pick up on the extremes. People want to be heard, they want their name in the paper, they do the extremes. That feeds the beast.”
Still, Wishart remains optimistic.
“I think people working hard and doing the right thing for the right reasons is the way we need to move forward.
“We get so much more done if we work together — whether it’s in a party or across the floor,” he said pointing to the many private members bills passed this session.
“I don’t believe in the heavy partisanship. I’m a Tory, but we don’t have to wear it on our sleeves every day. We should be able to talk things through in a rational adult manner and try and get the right things.”
He’ll miss helping constituents — something Wishart says all politicians should make their priority for the good of democracy.
“The way I view it, you do your constituency work first. That’s a big part of your job. That informs the policy,” said the retired farmer.
“I had a bunch of issues that were related to agricultural industry opportunities I saw — like the value-added side of things that we weren’t doing that well.
“‘Why are we sending raw products when we could be sending finished french fries in a freezer car?’ You saw the opportunity. You just look for ways to get there.”
Brandon West MLA Reg Helwer, who held many cabinet portfolios, said he’s proud to point to infrastructure investments that happened under his watch, but helping constituents away from the spotlight was the most fulfilling part of his job.
“Sometimes, you aren’t aware of the impact you had until someone approaches you afterward to say thank you,” Helwer said Thursday.
“It’s something that we don’t write about. They’re people’s private stories. So they’re not going public with them.”
His only regrets after 12 years in office? Reducing, but not eliminating, the “punitive” payroll tax, and living away from his family five days a week.
“As a business person, the payroll tax has always been an issue with the business community,” he said.
“There’s a lot of time spent apart from family and friends. If you’re living outside of Winnipeg, as I do, you’re in here from probably Sunday night to Thursday night and, and maybe longer.”
At 63, he’s ready to retire, he said.
House Speaker Myrna Driedger (Roblin), deputy premier Cliff Cullen (Spruce Woods), as well as PC MLAs Blaine Pedersen (Midland), Cathy Cox (Kildonan-River East), Dennis Smook (La Vérendrye), Brad Michaleski (Dauphin), Shannon Martin (McPhillips), and Alan Lagimodiere (Selkirk) are not seeking re-election.
Former MLAs Cameron Friesen (Morden-Winkler) and Scott Fielding (Kirkfield Park) resigned their seats earlier.
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