Jim Rondeau was elected the MLA for Assiniboia in the 1999 and again in the 2003 and 2007 elections. In November, 2003 he was appointed the new Minister of Healthy Living within the Department of Health and was also given responsibility for Seniors and Healthy Child Manitoba. A year later he became the Minister of Industry, Economic Development and Mines. After the 2007 election Jim kept his role as Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mines. On June 28, 2007 he was also appointed Minister of Competitiveness, Training and Trade. In September 2010 he was appointed to the expanded portfolio of Healthy Living, Youth and Seniors and Chair of the Healthy Child Committee of Cabinet with responsibilities for addiction, Citizenship and Recreation
Before entering cabinet, Jim served on the Legislative Review Committee, as well as on the Graduated Drivers License, Disability White Paper and Provincial Budget Hearing task forces. He was also instrumental in the introduction and passage of The Canadian Forces Personnel Act in 2003, which improved the rights and benefits of military personnel moving into Manitoba.
Prior to entering politics, Jim had an extensive career in education. He graduated from John Taylor Collegiate and earned his Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Winnipeg, and completed post-baccalaureate studies at the University of Manitoba. He has taught at schools in Norway House and Cranberry Portage, and at the University of Winnipeg. He later became the Adult Education and Work Education Coordinator for the Frontier School Division, where he establishing and administered 18 adult learning centres and libraries throughout Northern Manitoba. Jim also developed a National award-winning school-to-work transition program for young people from Northern Manitoba. Jim's work as an educator, at all levels within the public schools system, reflects his dedication to life-long learning throughout Manitoba.
Jim also has had extensive business experience in both urban and rural Manitoba. He started his first business while still in University and then proceeding into retail, financial services and the broadcast design/ new media industry.
Jim has always been a willing and committed community volunteer. He served on the Cranberry Portage Ambulance Service; later, he was involved as a St. John Ambulance Volunteer. He has coached numerous volleyball and badminton teams to zone and provincial awards, and sat on the boards of directors of Literacy Partners, and Junior Achievement Manitoba and currently the Assiniboia Optimist Club. He is also member of the Assiniboia Optimist Club, YM/YWCA, Crestview United Church, Army Navy Airforce Veterans #283 and regularly works with community clubs, parent councils, seniors groups, military organizations and other community initiatives.
Jim's career is one of dedication, community awareness, and action. He reflects these values in his passionate and committed service to his constituents and to all Manitobans.
Awards and Recognitions
- First time winner Literacy Partners Manitoba Lifetime Service Award
- Queen's Golden Jubilee Award 2002
- Optimist of the Year Award, Assiniboia Optimist Club 2002
- Manitoba Peacekeeper Recognition Award 2002
- Conference Board of Canada Workplace Award 1998
- Numerous Best Coach Awards 1990-1999
- Chief Scout Award
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