MLA: RALPH EICHLER - LAKESIDE * MANITOBA PC CRITIC FOR MANITOBA HYDRO AND MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT

Lord, we lift before you our MLA Ralph Eichler.  We thank you for the insight you have given him concerning agriculture and how he relates to other international agencies with their import export.  We pray Ralph would always see your hand of direction, and follow after your heart.   Lord, let the wisdom he harvested from his life experiences and the positions he has held enable him to govern well his constituency in Lakeside and the people of Manitoba.  Lord, thank you for Ralph’s family. May they each walk in your direction and blessing. In Jesus Name, Amen.


Previous Critic Portfolio:

• Caucus Chair, Government Services; 
• Communities Economic Development Fund;
• Cooperative Development; 
• Industry, Economic Development & Mines, Conservation, Water Stewardship; 
• Aboriginal and Northern Affairs; Agriculture.

Background:

Ralph was elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly in June, 2003.

He is a long time resident of the Lakeside area with strong ties to the community and local businesses.

Ralph believes that building a healthy and sustainable rural economy is essential. He foresees future prosperity in Lakeside with a thriving agricultural economy, expanding tourist industry and improved infrastructure.

For eight years, Ralph served as the Administrator of the Interlake School Division and remains committed to building opportunities for youth. He believes that with strong leadership, accountability and vision, we will see community growth and stability in Manitoba.

Ralph’s dedication to the people of the Lakeside constituency is instantly recognizable by his continual involvement in community service. He volunteers his time to many community organizations in various capacities.

He was an active member of a variety of organizations including the Teulon and Area Lions Club and the Stonewall Royal Canadian Legion Branch 52. Ralph and his family are active members of their local church.

In the past, Ralph served as Board Director of the Prairie Implements Manufacturers’ Association (PIMA), Board Chairman of Neicom Developments, an original Director of the Teulon Green Acres Park Board, President of the Interlake Riding Club, supporter of the Handivan Committee, Treasurer of the Teulon Kinsmen Club, member of the Interlake Community Foundation Board and Treasurer of the Teulon Golf and Country Club.

Ralph understands the struggles of livestock producers, having raised both purebred Simmentals and a commercial herd. He is the past owner/operator of Prairie Farm and Ranch Supply, a major manufacturer and importer/exporter of livestock handling equipment. While a business owner, he successfully initiated the global marketing of an innovative Manitoba agricultural invention called “The Stockdoctor”. He currently owns Ray’s Auction Service.

Ralph was elected, by his peers, on January 16, 2010 as a Director to the State Agriculture Rural Leaders (SARL) Board representing Canada, USA and Mexico. Ralph attends, on a regular basis, the Legislative Agriculture Chairs Summit. Here, he works together with senior US state agriculture legislators, Canadian provincial Ministers, and elected officials to discuss and develop agriculture policy and to exchange best practices.

Ralph and his wife Gail have two sons, a daughter and son-in-law, and three grandchildren.