Bernadette Smith facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bernadette Smith
OM MLA
|
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|---|---|
| Minister of Housing, Addictions, and Homelessness | |
| Assumed office October 18, 2023 |
|
| Premier | Wab Kinew |
| Preceded by | Portfolio established |
| Member of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba for Point Douglas | |
| Assumed office June 13, 2017 |
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| Preceded by | Kevin Chief |
| Personal details | |
| Political party | New Democratic |
| Residences | Winnipeg, Manitoba |
| Alma mater | Red River College |
Bernadette Smith is a Canadian politician from the First Nations community. She was first elected to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba on June 13, 2017. She represents the area called Point Douglas as a member of the Manitoba New Democratic Party. In November 2023, Bernadette Smith was recognized by the BBC on their list of 100 Women.
Contents
About Bernadette Smith
Early Life and Education
Bernadette Smith grew up in Winnipeg, a city in Manitoba. She left high school early but later went back to finish her education at age 22. After that, she earned a special certificate in Child and Youth Care from Red River College.
Bernadette Smith is from both the Anishinaabe and Métis Indigenous groups. She has three children named Aron, Matthew, and Makena. In 2016, she received the Order of Manitoba, which is a special award for people who have done great things for the province.
Her Work Before Politics
Before becoming a politician, Bernadette Smith worked as a teacher at Maples Collegiate. She also helped lead a program called WayFinders at the Seven Oaks School Division. This program helps students find their path.
She is also a co-founder of two important groups. One is the Manitoba Coalition of Families of Missing and Murdered Women in Manitoba (CFMMWM). The other is the Drag the Red Initiative. These groups work to help families and raise awareness about missing and murdered Indigenous women.
Bernadette Smith's Political Career
Becoming a Member of the Legislative Assembly
Bernadette Smith decided to run for a political position in 2017. She was the only person to seek the nomination for the New Democratic Party in the Point Douglas area. This meant she became their candidate without a contest.
During the election campaign, she faced a complaint from another political party. They claimed she had campaigned too close to voting places. However, she still won the election for the Point Douglas seat. She received 44% of the votes.
Re-elections and Advocacy
Bernadette Smith was re-elected in the provincial elections held in 2019 and again in 2023. This means the people of Point Douglas chose her to represent them multiple times.
As a politician, she has spoken out about important issues. For example, she has supported the idea of government helping to save the Neechi Commons grocery store and arts centre. This place is important to the community.
