Derek Johnson

Derek Johnson was born and raised in Oak Point, where his family has resided for five generations. Derek presently lives on the shores of Lake Manitoba with his wife Tara while their children continue to build their lives on the nearby Johnson Family Farm. Derek is a grandfather and enjoys every minute he has to play with his young grandson. Derek and his family love everything the Interlake has to offer from snowmobiling and curling to boating and fishing. The Interlake is a land for all seasons.

A proud resident of the Interlake with deep roots, Derek is eager to put his experience in business and government to work for the people of Interlake-Gimli.

Derek has always been service driven, which is evidenced in his portfolio.

Prior to becoming an MLA, Derek worked as a certified Financial Advisor serving area residents and in management for a local financial institution.

Derek served as councillor for the R.M. of St. Laurent from 2010 to 2014, working on key portfolios of Finance, Drainage, Emergency Services, and being a member of the West Interlake Planning District. In the aftermath of the unprecedented flood of 2011, Derek fought for flood prevention infrastructure from the provincial government and worked hard to secure funds for the community from the Manitoba Emergency Measures Organization. Derek earned then the reputation as a positive, results-driven leader.

Derek was first elected as MLA for Interlake in 2016, and re-elected in 2019 to serve the people of the new constituency of Interlake-Gimli, where he was again re-elected in 2023.

During his time in the legislature, Derek has served on key committees including the Treasury Board starting 2017 and counties to serve today, appointed as Minister of Municipal Relations in 2021, and Minister of Agriculture in 2022. In 2023, he was made Opposition House Leader and Critic for Seniors and Long-Term Care.

As MLA, Derek has advocated tirelessly for his constituents and the communities he represents by articulating and amplifying their voice in the Legislature. Derek knows how important it is that the voices of constituents are heard.  He is passionate about meeting with constituents and community groups.

Derek is proud to have helped deliver over $20 million in community grants supporting amazing projects in the constituency. From community centres to arenas, museums to Legions, or ball diamonds to accessibility, Derek advocates for community projects that better the Interlake.

Derek has championed many infrastructure projects throughout the Interlake-Gimli constituency with improvements to many roads. These improvements, along with aggressive tax reductions, create the environment for businesses to succeed and create jobs in our rural communities.

With the previous PC government unveiling its historic Senior’s Strategy, Derek ensured that seniors in the Interlake-Gimli region were a focus and able to age independently among family in their own communities. He is proud to deliver on his commitment for the developmental funding for a new Personal Care Home in Arborg, and the piloting of a community living project in the Ashern/Eriksdale.

Derek will continue to meet and hear the voices of all constituents. He will work diligently for the priorities of Interlake-Gimli, which include enhanced flood protection infrastructure, safer communities, a stronger health-care system that meets the needs of rural communities, and tax relief to put more money back in the pockets of hard-working Manitobans.

Derek is committed to working for your rural way of life with a proven track record of commitment and results for Interlake-Gimli.