Merv was born and raised in Medora and graduated from Brandon University. Merv owned and operated a successful family business for 19 years and has always believed that Manitoba and the people of Manitoba are worth investing in. 

Accomplishments

• Re-Elected Chair of the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities – June 20, 2011
• Re-Elected to Parliament – May 2, 2011
• Re-Elected Chair of the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities- February 2009
• Re-Elected to Parliament October 14, 2008 
• Elected Chair of the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities- April 2006
• Re-Elected to Parliament January 23, 2006
• Appointed Critic for Western Diversification, July 2004;
• Member of the Joint Committee on Scrutiny of Regulations – October 2005
• Elected to Parliament June 28, 2004;
• Elected to the Manitoba Legislature – 1995, 1999 & 2003;
• Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism;
• Legislative Assistant to the Minister of Health and headed the task force on Physician Recruitment and Retention;
• PC Critic for Manitoba Public Insurance, Manitoba Hydro, Manitoba Lotteries, Workers Compensation and the Manitoba Liquor Control Commission;
• Participated in the Canada Pension Task Force;
• Legislative Assistant to the Minister of Rural Development;
• Served on the Regulatory Review Committee;
• Co-chair for the Working for Value Task Force;
• Municipal councilor and Deputy Reeve for the Rural Municipality of Brenda;
• An active supporter of community and recreational affairs;
• Participated on numerous professional business councils and associations.