Biography

A long time resident of North Kildonan, Erna attended Springfield Heights School and River East Collegiate. The North Kildonan Community Club was a centre of activity where Erna played on the girls’ softball team, attended many teen dances and skated on the ice rinks in the winter.

Erna attended the University of Manitoba where she received a Bachelor of Home Economics. In her final year, she worked with a women’s community group helping them learn to sew for their children. This sparked an interest in teaching and she enrolled in the Faculty of Education, where she earned her Teaching Certificate, followed by a Bachelor of Education.

Erna’s teaching career has spanned 34 years, with 31 spent in The Winnipeg School Division. Erna has taught Home Economics – Clothing, Child Development, Family Studies and Nutrition. Her last teaching assignment was at the Adolescent Parent Centre, an alternative program in which young mothers are able to complete their high school education.

An active member of the teaching profession, she served on the executives of the Manitoba Home Economics Teachers’ Association and The Winnipeg Teachers’ Association (WTA). Erna was elected WTA President in 1989-90 and 2005-2007. She also served on the Provincial Executive of The Manitoba Teachers’ Society during the late 1990’s. Erna was also recognized for her work on curriculum and was seconded for 3 years in the mid 1990’s to the Department of Education as Curriculum Consultant for Home Economics and Skills for Independent Living.

Erna is a member of the First Mennonite Church. She has had a long standing commitment to her church, having been a Sunday School teacher in the past. Currently, Erna is a member of the women’s group “Evergreen Circle” as well as the Ministerial Council as Head Deacon.

Erna was first elected in 2007 and was selected as NDP caucus chair in June, 2008. Erna presides at all caucus meetings throughout the year and is a member of the Legislative Assembly Management Committee. In addition to her responsibilities as Caucus Chair, she is also a Permanent Chair for the Standing Committee on Social and Economic Development and sits as a member of the Public Accounts Committee. She also is the Chair of the Special Committee for Senate Reform of the Legislative Assembly.