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Rosann WowchukMinister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives; Deputy Premier, minister responsible for cooperative development. |
Rosann Wowchuk was born and raised in Cowan, Manitoba. She and her husband Sylvestor reside on the family farm in Cowan and are the parents of three children.
Prior to her successful election in September, 1990 as the MLA for the Swan River constituency, Rosann worked as a political organizer for the New Democratic Party. Re-elected in both the 1995 and 1999 general elections, Rosann held the position of Opposition Critic for Agriculture, Manitoba Crop Insurance Corporation, Manitoba Agriculture Credit Corporation and was the Deputy Critic for Rural Economic Development.
On October 5, 1999, Rosann was appointed Minister of Agriculture and Food. With her re-election in 2003, Rosann was appointed Deputy Premier and remains the Minister of Agriculture and Food. In addition she was appointed Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs. On November 4, 2003 Premier Gary Doer added a new rural initiatives portfolio to agriculture and food to further concentrate and co-ordinate government efforts on diversification and new economic opportunities for rural Manitoba.
Rosann took her training at Manitoba Teachers College and taught at several schools in the area. As well as being a part owner in a mixed farming operation, she started and managed a successful ceramics business for three years.
Rosann has a great deal of experience in serving her community. She served as Councillor and Deputy Reeve of the LGD of Mountain from 1983-1990. As well, she was a member of the Swan River Hospital and Ambulance Committee, a 4-H leader, secretary of the Cowan Community Centre and a member in various other community groups including the Swan River Rotary Club and is presently Chairperson of the Cowan Homecoming Committee.
Rosann undertook a very active role as Chairperson of the Cowan Soil and Water Co-op. She also served as the Vice Chair of the North West Soil Management Association.
