The following is a list of candidates who are nominated to run in the 2025 by-election.
The list will be updated as candidates are nominated. The City of Winnipeg does not endorse any candidate nor guarantee the accuracy of the information they have provided.
Councillor
Elmwood-East Kildonan Ward
School Trustee
Pembina Trails School Division - Ward 1
Email: belluk4schooltrustee@gmail.com
Biography:
I am a passionate advocate for quality public education and a proud member of the Pembina Trails Ward 1 community.
Along with my husband TJ and our three daughters, we have called Charleswood home for 33 years. Our daughters attended Pembina Trails schools and our grandchildren are now doing the same! Our family has always been very present and involved in the community.
I worked in the Pembina Trails School Division for over 25 years in various capacities; early years through high school, the administration office, student support services, and other departments. I served as union president, was on multiple Parent Councils, served on divisional committees and continue to volunteer in classrooms to this day. I have a well-rounded appreciation for the division and its operations as a whole. This would, in my opinion, be a huge asset in serving in the role of School Trustee.
Schools are my happy place! It feels good to be a part of the ‘team’ offering every student a safe, warm environment where they can thrive while empowering them to succeed - regardless of background, ability, or circumstance. I look forward to fully immersing myself in this role where I can advocate for our community.
Email: brook@electbrookjones.ca
Phone: 204-421-4120 / 204-291-4120
Website: electbrookjones.ca
Facebook: facebook.com/ElectBrookJones
Instagram: @electbrookjones
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/brook-jones
Statement of Disclosure (PDF, 338KB)
Biography
Brook Jones is a lifelong resident of the Pembina Trails School Division.
A multimedia journalist for the past two decades, Brook has strong insights into Manitoba’s education system with skills in writing and verbal communication, critical thinking and networking.
Brook is a freelance photographer for the Free Press, president of the Manitoba Sportswriters & Sportscasters Association, and editor of Selkirk Times. He began his career in media and communications after studying in Red River College’s Creative Communications program.
A Vincent Massey Collegiate graduate, Brook received the Vincent Massey Staff Prize, was named Athlete of the Year and worked seasonally with Pembina Trails School Division cross-country meets. Brook competed for the University of Manitoba Bisons track team while studying physical education and later earned a Bachelor of Arts from U of M, political studies.
Brook’s community engagement includes volunteering with numerous organizations. He spent 10 years coaching track and cross-country at Fort Richmond Collegiate.
After he served as president of the Fort Garry Community Centre, Brook was awarded the City of Winnipeg Mayor’s Office Award for Leadership and Commitment to the Community.
Brook is a trusted voice who will proudly serve students, teachers and residents of the Pembina Trails School Division.
Email: sharesauschooltrustee@gmail.com
Statement of Disclosure (PDF, 330KB)
Biography
My name is Sharon Esau. I have been married for 36 years we have three grown children and five grandchildren. We have had the pleasure of living and raising our family in ward one for over 55 years. I attended Beaverlodge, Westdale and Oak Park.
For the past 22 years, I have had the privilege of working alongside the children and educators as an Educational Assistant at Beaverlodge, Beaumont and Oak Park.
I believe every person has the right to be safe and heard. I believe in fostering relationships with everyone. If you need answers or are looking for a person to take action, when asked my response will always be, how can I help?
Email: samantha4ward1@gmail.com
Instagram: @samantha4ward1
Statement of Disclosure (PDF, 286KB)
Biography
I grew up in the Pembina Trails School Division, attending Pacific Junction, Charleswood Junior High, and Shaftesbury. Today, I’m a teacher with 12 years of experience and a proud parent of two children, one of which is currently attending school in the division.
I hold an Education Degree, a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, a Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Education, and a Master of Education in Curriculum, Teaching and Learning. I taught middle school for ten years before transitioning into my current role as a high school guidance counsellor, where I support students every day with both academic goals and mental health challenges. I believe that creating positive, safe, and responsive learning environments is key to helping students succeed.
In addition to my work in education, I volunteer as Mini Convenor with the Charleswood Youth Soccer Association, helping young kids stay active and connected through sport. I’m committed to supporting students, listening to families, and working together to keep our schools strong and accessible.
As your trustee, I will bring classroom experience, a student-first mindset, and a deep connection to our community. I’m ready to work hard for the families of Ward 1 and advocate for every learner’s success.
Email: susanmccrae4trustee@gmail.com
Phone: 204-226-9823
Statement of Disclosure (PDF, 282KB)
Biography
My name is Susan McCrae. For the past 20 years, I’ve been proud to call Charleswood home, where my husband and I are raising our three children. Over the last decade, I’ve been deeply involved in Pacific Junction and Ecole Charleswood schools as an active member of Parent Advisory Councils as President and Treasurer, working side by side with parents, staff, and administrators to help create the best possible learning environment for our kids.
As a CPA I understand the importance of financial literacy and how important it is for children to learn basic skills such as budgets, taxes and investing while they are young to better equip them for their future. I also understand the importance of technology in our world, but want to ensure our children understand the dangers, especially with social media and AI and will work at the division level to ensure our children’s safety and understanding of these issues is a priority.
I believe every family deserves a fair voice at the Division level, and I’m committed to ensuring our schools remain strong, supportive, and accountable to the communities they serve.
Email: pmgareau@gmail.com
Instagram:@pamela4schooltrustee
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/pamela-gareau
Statement of Disclosure (PDF, 292KB)
Biography:
I am Pamela Gareau — a mom, volunteer, and community advocate in Ward 1 of the Pembina Trails School Division. I have been proud to support our schools and neighbourhood through many years of volunteer leadership. I served as Chairperson of the École Dieppe Parent Advisory Council for four years and have also contributed to the École Charleswood Parent Advisory Council. Currently, I am on the Roblin Park Community Centre Board (5+ years). During this time, I have volunteered and helped organize the annual Winter Carnival and I also serve as parent representative for the Children’s Program. In addition, I coordinated volunteers for the Winnipeg 150th In the Park Block Party and am a member of the Harte Trail Keepers.
Professionally, I bring financial expertise, legal training, and higher education experience. I hold a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Manitoba, a Legal Assistant Diploma from SAIT, and am completing my Project Management Professional certification. My career includes serving as Assistant Controller with True North Sports + Entertainment and over a decade in higher education administration. These experiences give me a fresh approach and an objective voice, ensuring accountability and decisions that put students and families first.
Email: tim@rogalsky.ca
Website: vote.timrogalsky.ca
Statement of Disclosure (PDF, 302KB)
Biography
Tim Rogalsky is a Charleswood resident, husband, father, educator, and musician, with experience as a roofing contractor and high school basketball coach. For more than two decades, he has taught mathematics at Canadian Mennonite University, guiding students to think critically, work collaboratively, and pursue their passions for making the world a better place.
Tim believes education is a sacred trust. Schools are at the heart of our community. They are places where children grow, families connect, and the future is shaped every day. He is committed to ensuring that every child has access to excellent teaching, enriched by the arts, athletics, and hands-on learning. Recognizing how quickly the world is changing, Tim will champion AI literacy and responsible technology use, alongside strong academics in math, science, and literacy. He wants every student to feel safe, supported, and equipped to thrive in an inclusive and innovative future.
School Trustee
Louis Riel School Division - Ward 3
Email:dandenaultsm@gmail.com
Website: susanned.ca
Statement of Disclosure (PDF, 477KB)
Biography:
I have a strong personal connection to our community and a deep appreciation for the value of public education that started at St. George School and continued to graduation from Glenlawn Collegiate. After graduating from the University of Washington (Seattle), I headed home to Winnipeg to attend the University of Manitoba Law School. My husband (Glenlawn Class of 1983) and I love our community and are proud to raise our children here.
My daughter is a Grade 11 student and my son graduated in June from a school in Ward 3 in the Louis Riel School Division. Volunteering for parent councils and countless LRSD school events over the past 12 years has given me a strong understanding and appreciation of our school community.
I have developed strong skills in analysis, problem-solving, and decision-making after 19 years of practicing law. My governance experience as Board Chair - Sport Manitoba, among other important volunteer roles, has further strengthened my leadership abilities, commitment to accountability and sound decision-making.
With this combination of personal experience, professional skill, and community service, I am prepared to serve the LRSD school board ensuring responsible governance and a clear vision for the future of our school community.
Email: actward3@gmail.com
Website: actward3.ca
Facebook: ben.singer.863885
Statement of Disclosure (PDF, 307KB)
Biography
As a longtime resident of Ward 3 and father of three kids (ages 5, 7, and 9), I’m excited to help make decisions that positively impact children in our community—including mine.
I work in frontline facility services, where I receive concerns of varying urgency and escalate them to the right teams for quick and effective resolution. I see a similar role for trustees: listening to parents and community members, sharing clear information, and raising issues to the board when needed.
I plan to bring a fresh perspective and new ways of thinking to the position. My campaign reflects the three core values I aim to bring as trustee: Accountability. Collaboration. Trust.
My mission is to ensure we don’t lose momentum on promising new divisional programs—and that we realize their full potential for our children and community. At the same time, I’ll focus on two important areas for review:
- The role of divisions in early childhood education, promoting a “Win/Win/Win” approach to childcare.
- A strategic review of the cost and value of divisional transportation.
Progress requires innovation. I’m ready to get to work—and I’d be honoured to serve as your School Trustee for Ward 3.
Email: peterbjornson4trustee@gmail.com
Website: peterbjornson.ca
Facebook: Peter Bjornson for LRSD Ward 3
Statement of Disclosure (PDF, 330KB)
Biography
I have dedicated my life to education, public service, and community building. With over three decades of experience as a teacher, educational leader, and elected official, I bring a proven commitment to supporting students, families, and communities.
Since 2016, I have served at the University of Winnipeg as Practicum for the ACCESS Education Program, where I place student teachers, train faculty supervisors, and support students in their placements. I also coordinate the Thailand International Practicum Program, teach education courses, and serve as member-at-large with the U of W Faculty Association.
Previously, I taught Social Studies at Gimli High School for 13 years, earning the Governor General’s and Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Teaching. I also contributed to provincial curriculum and resource review committees and served as President of the Evergreen Teachers’ Association, representing teachers in collective bargaining and grievance resolution.
From 2003 to 2015, I represented Gimli as MLA, serving as Minister of Education, Minister of Housing & Community Development, and Minister of Entrepreneurship, Training Trade.
My wife Joanne and I live in River Park South, where we raised our three children.
As your Ward 3 Trustee, I will work to ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive.