The MLA for Steinbach says 2021 saw him in three of the most difficult roles a politician could tackle during a pandemic.

Kelvin Goertzen says he started the year as Education Minister, moved to Health Minister and was even the Premier for two and a half months.

"I don't know that there are more difficult positions to hold during a pandemic," admits Goertzen. "The school side of it is so critical to folks, and then obviously on the health side, and then as Premier you are kind of leading a lot of the different responses."

Goertzen says for him, he looked at every role as an opportunity to serve, taking it day by day without looking too far ahead.

"I mean when this year started I never thought that I would be operating in all of those different roles," he says. "I also of course would have been hoping we'd be in a different place when it came to the pandemic overall."

Goertzen adds it was certainly never on his radar that in 2021 he would become the 23rd Premier of our province and the first from southeastern Manitoba. He says it was a career highlight to wear the different hats and though they were during difficult times, he aims to serve in the best way possible.

Meanwhile, Goertzen says two announcements he was able to make in Steinbach stand out as moments he will not soon forget from 2021. On July 26, Goertzen stood in downtown Steinbach announcing plans for a new event centre. The Government of Manitoba is funding over $7.9 million towards this project.

"To get the province and the feds to align with the city, that was a momentous task," notes Goertzen. "And I was really, really happy to see that announced and it's going to be great for people in the community."

Then, on October 1st, Goertzen stood in front of Bethesda Regional Health Centre announcing a $32 million upgrade, including a renal dialysis unit.

"Really, really important in ensuring the Bethesda Regional Health Centre remains sort of the dominant health care centre in the region as the city continues to grow and has capacity," he adds.

On a personal note, Goertzen says he is always happy when the Winnipeg Blue Bombers win another Grey Cup.