Ralph Eichler (born March 23, 1950) is a retired politician in Manitoba, Canada. He is a member of Manitoba legislature for the riding of Lakeside.[1]

Ralph Eichler
Minister of Agriculture and Resource Development
In office
July 15, 2021 – January 18, 2022
PremierBrian Pallister
Kelvin Goertzen
Heather Stefanson
Preceded byBlaine Pedersen
Succeeded byDerek Johnson
Minister of Economic Development and Jobs
In office
January 5, 2021 – July 15, 2021
PremierBrian Pallister
Preceded byPortfolio Renamed
Succeeded byJon Reyes
Minister of Economic Development and Training
In office
October 23, 2019 – January 5, 2021
PremierBrian Pallister
Preceded byBlaine Pedersen
Succeeded byPortfolio Renamed
Minister of Agriculture
In office
May 3, 2016 – October 23, 2019
PremierBrian Pallister
Preceded byRon Kostyshyn
Succeeded byBlaine Pedersen
Member of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba for Lakeside
In office
June 3, 2003 – September 5, 2023
Preceded byHarry Enns
Succeeded byTrevor King
Personal details
Born (1950-03-23) March 23, 1950 (age 74)
Political partyProgressive Conservative
OccupationBusinessperson, school administrator

Before entering provincial politics, Eichler served for eight years as the administrator of the Interlake School Division. He also owned and operated Prairie Farm Ranch Supply, an exporter of livestock handling equipment. In the latter capacity, he oversaw the invention of a device known as "The Stockdoctor", now used internationally. Eichler has also served as a director of the Prairie Implements Manufacturers Association and the Teulon Golf and Country Club, as well as serving as president of the Interlake Riding Club.[1]

In the 2003 Manitoba general election, Eichler was elected to the Manitoba legislature as a Progressive Conservative, defeating New Democrat Robert Marshall by 4102 votes to 3012.[2] He was only the third person to hold the riding in 81 years. For the first 47 years after the creation of the district, Douglas Lloyd Campbell had represented it, and following Campbell's retirement, Harry Enns represented it for 34 years. Eichler himself was nominated and elected following Enns' retirement.

The NDP government was re-elected in 2003, and Eichler sat in opposition until 2016.

He was re-elected in the 2007,[3] 2011,[4] and 2016 provincial elections.[5][6]

On May 3, 2016, after the new Progressive Conservative government under the leadership of Brian Pallister was sworn in, Eichler was appointed to the Executive Council of Manitoba as Minister of Agriculture.[7][8]

He was re-elected in the 2019 election.

On October 4, 2022 he announced he would not seek re-election in the 43rd provincial election and would serve the rest of his term.[9] He retired with the call of the 2023 election.

References

edit
  1. ^ a b Goy. "Ralph Eichler - Our Team". Progressive Conservative Caucus of Manitoba web site. Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada: PC Manitoba. Retrieved 9 February 2011.[permanent dead link]
  2. ^ "Manitoba Votes 2003 - Lakeside". Manitoba Votes 2003. Toronto: CBC News. Retrieved 9 February 2011.
  3. ^ "Manitoba Votes 2007 - Riding Profiles - Lakeside". Manitoba Votes 2007. Toronto: CBC News. Retrieved 9 February 2011.
  4. ^ "It's Eichler all around in Lakeside vote". The Interlake Spectator. 12 October 2011. Retrieved 20 May 2016.
  5. ^ "Local PC candidates part of provincial sweep". The Headliner. Winnipeg Free Press. 25 April 2016. Retrieved 20 May 2016.
  6. ^ "Eichler wins fourth term, says health care at top of list". The Stonewall Argus. 21 April 2016. Retrieved 20 May 2016.
  7. ^ "Brian Pallister sworn in as Manitoba premier". CBC News. 3 May 2016. Retrieved 20 May 2016.
  8. ^ "Meet Manitoba's new government cabinet members". CBC News. 3 May 2016. Retrieved 20 May 2016.
  9. ^ The Canadian Press, "Former Manitoba cabinet minister Ralph Eichler won’t seek re-election". Winnipeg Free Press, October 4, 2022.
edit