Provencher

Provencher is a predominantly rural riding covering the southeastern corner of Manitoba, bounded by Winnipeg to the west, the U.S. border to the south, Ontario to the east, and stretching northward to include Whiteshell Provincial Park. The riding's largest community is Steinbach, the third-largest city in Manitoba with a population of approximately 14,000 in 2015, located roughly 50 kilometres southeast of Winnipeg. Other growing communities include Niverville, Oakbank, Lorette, and Île-des-Chênes.

Candidates

Ted Falk (Conservative) — The incumbent MP, first elected in a November 2013 by-election to succeed retiring cabinet minister Vic Toews. A Steinbach businessman, Falk had owned a construction and gravel-crushing company and served 24 years on the board of the Steinbach Credit Union, including 16 years as president. The credit union was Manitoba's largest.

Terry Hayward (Liberal) — The Liberal candidate in the riding.

Les Lilley (NDP) — The NDP candidate in the riding.

Jeff Wheeldon (Green Party) — The Green Party candidate.

About the Riding

Provencher has a strong Mennonite and German cultural heritage, particularly in Steinbach and surrounding communities, which were settled by Mennonite immigrants in the 1870s. The riding's economy is anchored by construction, manufacturing, agriculture, and health care. The communities along the eastern edge of Winnipeg — Niverville, Oakbank, and Lorette — have experienced rapid suburban growth as commuters settle in affordable housing within driving distance of the city. Whiteshell Provincial Park in the riding's northeast offers lakes, camping, and cottage country that draw visitors from across southern Manitoba. Provencher is one of the most reliably Conservative ridings in Canada. In 2015, issues of concern included rural infrastructure, agricultural policy, and support for small business.