Heather Stefanson

Heather Stefanson (born May 11, 1970) is a politician in Manitoba, Canada. She is currently a member of the Manitoba legislature, representing the opposition Progressive Conservative Party.

Stefanson was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and was educated at the University of Western Ontario (receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science). She has also received CSC (Canadian Securities Course) and FPP (Professional Financial Planning) designations. After receiving her degree, Stefanson worked as a Special Assistant to the Office of the Canadian Prime Minister; she returned to Manitoba in 1993, to work as an assistant to federal Agriculture Minister Charlie Mayer. Stefanson was an investment advisor for Wellington West Capital from 1995 to 2000, and has also been a member of the University of Manitoba's Young Associates organization.

Stefanson was first elected to the Manitoba legislature in a 2000 by-election, replacing former Progressive Conservative leader Gary Filmon in the south Winnipeg riding of Tuxedo. Stefanson defeated Liberal Rochelle Zimberg by 2692 votes to 1586; Iona Starr, representing the governing New Democratic Party, finished third. Stefanson was easily re-elected in the 2003 election, with the NDP improving to a second-place status.

In 2004, Stefanson supported Sam Katz's successful bid to become Mayor of Winnipeg.

She was a supporter of Hugh McFadyen’s successful campaign to succeed Stuart Murray as leader of the Progressive Conservative Party. She was re-elected in the 2007 provincial election.