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- 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.