Story:Let’s get to the important stuff first: As a former championship-calibre curler at the world level, you must have an opinion on who will represent Canada at the Olympic Games.

My old third is Jonathan Mead, so I have a vested interest in going with Wayne Middaugh. I think it’s going to be that team because Jon Mead is the best third in the world. I had the privilege of playing with him. That’s not going to make me popular in Manitoba, but I hope it’s one of the three Manitoba teams, and I’m counting Middaugh among the Manitoba teams because of my friendship with Jon.

When’s the last time you threw a curling rock?

The last time I threw a curling rock was exactly 12 months ago. I played in a little bonspiel between Christmas and New Year’s. I did not throw the rock as well then as I did back in 1986. Twenty-two years is a long time.

How close did you come to winning the world title? I know you finished second.

We came within a coin toss. We were tied and lost in an extra end. We lost the toss at the outset of the game and they beat us by a point. It was a fellow by the name of Dryburgh of Scotland.

What’s the most pressing problem facing Manitoba today?

Right now, particularly if you’re from Winnipeg, it’s crime and public safety. When you consider the province as a whole, it’s the sluggish performance of our economy and the fact that the economy’s not growing at a rate that allows us to meet the needs of our communities.

How have your party’s fortunes improved in the last 12 months?

They’ve improved in lots of ways. We are having terrific people showing an interest in running for us. More people are contributing in small amounts. People who have never given to political parties before. And the caucus is energized and working hard.

The polls still indicate that the New Democrats would win an election if one were held today. How do you change that?

Well, I don’t believe that firstly. We haven’t even started campaigning yet. People I think are taking a wait-and-see attitude with Mr. Selinger. I believe that we’ll win based on good ideas, good people and a desire in Manitoba for renewal, which the NDP cannot offer.

Did you have an ‘ah ha’ moment when you knew a political career was the path you’d choose?

I had that moment when I met former Premier Lyon as a young person. I thought I wanted to be in politics. I then spent some time in it and didn’t want to be in it anymore and then I came back to it again.

You’ve talked about an NHL team returning to Winnipeg. Legitimate chance or pipe dream?

I think it’s legitimate over the longer term and it’s not going to be because governments are spending tax dollars on it. It’s going to be because economics in North America and pro hockey are changing in our favour. I think government involvement has to be minimal. There’s always a small role for government, but the risk has to be taken by private owners.

How has the Legislature changed now that Greg Selinger has replaced Gary Doer?

We haven’t come back yet, so I can’t answer that. We start on Monday and I expect it will be significantly different and I’m just looking forward to getting back there. We’re in a new era.

Politics is hard work, but what are the fun parts?

Fun parts are traveling around the prvince and meeting different people who all have a wonderful colourful perspective on this province and a lot of them are incredibly good natured and humourous people.

How did you meet your wife?

I met her at a Boxing Day party a long time ago. And . . . that’s about all I can say about that.

Do you take your work home with you?

Yes.
Does your wife mind?

Yes and yes. It’s a challenge. It’s hard not to. And hard to keep the lines clear between work and other parts of your life when you’re in politics.

Who’s your closest friend on the other side of the Legislature?

I would have to say Andrew Swan. He and I were classmates in high school. We disagree on lots and lots of things, but we bonded as young people in high school and we continue to have a good relationship today.

What’s the best perk associated with being Leader of the Opposition?

The best perk is that I’ve got the best office in the Legislative building. I’ve got the only round office in the Legislative Building.

The oval office.

It is. It’s not even oval; it’s round. But I don’t want anyone to pick up any pretensions by calling it the oval office.