Dan Vandal was first elected as Member of Parliament for Saint Boniface — Saint Vital on October 19, 2015.
A graduate of the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Social Work, Dan believes in giving back to his community. Early in his career, he was a youth outreach worker with Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre. He was also the Chair of the Old St. Boniface Residents Association.
Wanting to contribute further to his community, Dan served five terms as Winnipeg City Councillor for St. Boniface. A former Deputy Mayor, he was also Chair of the Protection, Property and Public Works committees at City Hall. He is especially proud of his role in the development of Winnipeg’s Aboriginal Youth Strategy, the first of its kind in Canada.
Most of all, Dan worked with passion and vision for the citizens of his ward. From Bois des Esprits in Royalwood to Esplanade Riel in Old St. Boniface, he was a tireless advocate for urban renewal and creating exciting public spaces.
From 2010 to 2013, he was Chair of the Board of Directors for the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network. In 2013, he led the Board through the CRTC license renewal process, culminating in a five-year renewal for the network.
Active in the community, Dan hosts an annual pancake breakfast on Louis Riel Day and attends many community events. Every year, he presents a Youth Initiative Award and bursary to a student in every high school in the Saint Boniface - Saint Vital riding to help them pursue post-secondary education.
On August 31, 2018, Dan was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous Services. On November 20, 2019, Dan was named Minister of Northern Affairs.
He is happily married to Brigitte and together they have four children and one lovely granddaughter.
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