July 24, 2025 | Treaty 1 and Treaty 2, Spruce Woods, MB – Today, the Manitoba NDP announced Ray Berthelette as their candidate in the Spruce Woods byelection. A former correctional officer and lifelong Westman advocate,  Ray is stepping up to give rural families a strong voice.

“I care about this community and I want the best for families here,” said Berthelette. “Wab Kinew and his  team are listening to rural Manitoba and Brandon. They understand the challenges we face and they’re investing in a brighter future for us — like more doctors, better roads, safer communities and a lower cost of living. The PCs took the people of Spruce Woods’ votes for granted and used it to make cuts to our hospitals, our schools and our roads. This time, vote for a seat at the decision makers’ table and have your voice heard.”

Born and raised in rural Manitoba, Ray has seen the damage done to his community under PC cuts — fewer doctors in the region, shuttered emergency rooms, roads in disrepair and deep cuts to rural classroom. Alongside Wab Kinew, he’s ready to staff up health care, invest in Highway 2, build a new Prairie Innovation Centre to create good jobs and keep costs low for families. Whether it’s improving access to health care, repairing roads and infrastructure, or supporting young people who want to stay and build their lives here, Ray is ready to get to work.

“Ray has deep roots in this community and a strong track record of leadership. He’s exactly the kind of voice Spruce Woods needs a voice that understands the value of hard work, local priorities, and rural pride,” said NDP leader Wab Kinew.

With Ray on the ballot, the Manitoba NDP is focused on showing up for rural Manitobans, not with slogans, but with solutions.

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