Ron Schuler

Ron Schuler (born February 12, 1963) is a politician in Manitoba, Canada. He is currently a member of the Manitoba legislature, representing the opposition Progressive Conservative Party.

Biographical information

Schuler was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Manitoba. He was elected as a school trustee for the "River East School Division" in 1995, and was re-elected in 1998. In November 1998, he became Chair of the Board. Schuler has also been the owner or co-owner of a number of small businesses, including "Christmas Traditions", "Espresso Junction Inc." and "Gingerbread World Inc.", and served as chair of the Manitoba Intercultural Council from 1991 to 1993.

Political career

Schuler was elected to the Manitoba legislature in the 1999 provincial election, defeating New Democrat Leonard Kimakovich by 4969 votes to 4058 in the riding of Springfield (located just east of Winnipeg). He was re-elected by a much greater margin in the 2003 election, despite the poor performance of the Progressive Conservative candidates in most of the province. Schuler appears to have benefitted from local opposition to the decision of Gary Doer's NDP government to dissolve the "Transcona Springfield School Division".

Schuler is currently the opposition critic for Labour and Immigration, Energy Science and Technology (Kyoto Accord), Gaming and Lotteries and the Public Service Commission.

On February 24, 2006 Ron Schuler announced that he would seek the leadership of the Progressive Conservative Party of Manitoba. He lost to Hugh McFadyen on April 29, 2006. He was re-elected in the 2007 provincial election.