Linda Markus, a long-time resident of Northern Manitoba with 44 years of history in Thompson, is stepping up to run for the City Council by-election. The by-election aims to fill the seat left vacant by councillor Earl Colbourne, who resigned on April 29. Markus is gearing up to contest the 2024 Municipal By-election scheduled for September 10.
Markus also ran provincially last fall. She currently holds a position on the Northern Regional Health Authority Governance Board. She serves as the chair of the Indigenous Health and Human Resources Committee and is the Vice Chair of the Norther Regional Health Governance Committee. Notably, she was also part of the University College of the North Governing Council, where she held the position of Vice Chair for most of her term. In addition, she chaired the finance, policy, and Governance Sub Committees during her tenure.
Dedicated to public service, Markus is a Commissioner with the Residential Tenancies Commission of Manitoba and previously served as a Commissioner on the Kindergarten to Grade 12 Manitoba Education Review.
With a strong background in education, Markus worked in various roles within the education sector over the years. Having been in Thompson for over 40 years, she was employed by Mystery Lake School Division, where she took on roles ranging from lunch room attendant to educational assistant, substitute teacher, and eventually classroom and resource teacher, school administrator and divisional resource consultant and literacy leader. She also worked for the Kelsey School Division in The Pas, spending eight years as the Student Services coordinator at the divisional level and working in adult education programs.
“I’m able to see the big picture, and I have lots of connections because I have such a diverse background from education to property ownership to the health board, to my recreational pursuits and the organizations that I’ve been involved with”
Markus emphasized the importance of focusing specifically on young people, stating, "We need to constantly invest in young people and create a community that gives upcoming generations the vision of living their best life." She believes we need to invest in our business community, home owners and community infrastructure to attract lasting investments.
She is also just completing her Doctorate in Educational Leadership, focusing on Indigenous Perspectives, Social Justice and Equity, and International Contexts.
Formerly a Chamber of Commerce president, Markus highlighted her diverse background and wide-ranging connections, expressing her ability to see the big picture. She has successfully lobbied and carried resolutions forward to the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce and provincial governments. She believes her experience in education, business, property ownership, involvement in provincial boards, and various political pursuits make her well-suited for the City Council role.
“I think I can seamlessly slide into the seat that Earl vacated, and I can pick up where we all left off on our priorities”
Markus is optimistic about her candidacy, confident that she can commit to working for the needs of Thompson and continue prioritizing the community's interests.
