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Ben Hanuschak
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Educator, MLA (1966-1969), MLA (1969-1973), Speaker (1969-1970), MLA (1973-1977), MLA (1977-1980).
Born at Earl Grey, Saskatchewan on 29 April 1930, at an early age his family moved to Hodgson. He was educated at the University of Manitoba and taught at Fisher Branch School (1957-1958), Aberdeen School (1959-1961), St. John's High School (1961-c1965), and River Heights School (1968-1969).
Elected to a seat in the Manitoba Legislature at the 1966 general election, representing the Burrows constituency, he served as Speaker of the House (1969-1970), Minister of Consumer and Corporate Affairs (1970-1971), Minister of Education (1971-1976), Minister of College and Universities (1973-1976), Minister of Urban Affairs (1973), Minister of Continuing Education and Manpower (1976-1977), and Minister of Tourism, Recreation and Cultural Affairs (1976-1977).
Re-elected at a New Democrat in 1969, 1973 and 1977, he joined Sid Green and Bud Boyce in forming the Manitoba Progressive Party in 1981. It won no seats in the 1981 general election, and Hanuschak lost his own. He returned to teaching as the Principal of Sprague School (1984-1985). He ran in an October 1985 by-election and the 1986 general election and was defeated each time. He was a trustee (1986-2006) and Chairman (?-?) of the Seven Oaks School Division.
On 22 August 1953, he married schoolteacher Nadia Z. Stechkewich (1929-2026) and they had a daughter. In recognition of his community service, he received a Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal (1977).
He died at Winnipeg on 31 July 2026.
“Men's local of teachers elects slate,” Winnipeg Tribune, 20 January 1964, page 12.
“Golden anniversary of marriage,” Winnipeg Free Press, 23 August 2003, page 77.
Obituary [Lilia Dora Presser], Winnipeg Free Press, 11 January 2011.
Members of the Legislative Assembly (living), Legislative Assembly of Manitoba.
Obituary [Nadia Hanuschak], Winnipeg Free Press, 2 May 2026.
Obituary, Winnipeg Free Press, 15 August 2026.
We thank Oliver Bernuetz (Legislative Library of Manitoba) for providing additional information used here.
This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.
Page revised: 15 August 2026
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