Steinbach (electoral district)

Steinbach is a provincial electoral division in the Canadian province of Manitoba. It was created by redistribution in 1989, and has formally existed since the provincial election of 1990. For the 2011 election, Steinbach was redistributed again, it was also contracted for the second consecutive time as population densities in the city and area grew.

Steinbach is located in southeastern Manitoba. It is bordered by Emerson to the west, La Verendrye to the south and east, Dawson Trail to the north, and Morris to the west. The largest community in the riding is the city of Steinbach, the riding's namesake. Other major centres include Mitchell and Kleefeld.

Thirty-four per cent of the riding's residents list German as their ethnic origin, and a further 7% list themselves as Dutch. There is a very strong Mennonite presence in the riding. Steinbach's population in 2006 was 19,415. In the year 1999, the average family income was $46,133, and the unemployment rate was 5.00%. Manufacturing accounts for 17% of the riding's industry, followed by agriculture at 14%.

The riding has been held by the Progressive Conservative Party of Manitoba since its creation, and is considered extremely safe for that party. Steinbach's rural nature, as well as the city's religious background, gives the riding a strong social conservative tint. Manitoba political pundits often refer to Steinbach as a "yellow dog riding," as it is one of many rural ridings where it is often said in jest that the Tories could nominate a yellow dog and still win. It is located within the equally conservative federal riding of Provencher.

The current MLA is Kelvin Goertzen, who was first elected with almost 75% of the vote in 2003. Goertzen is the deputy leader of the Progressive Conservatives in Manitoba.