Michelle Budiwski is a fierce advocate for social change, inclusive communities, and rural economic development. A political activist and mother of four, she brings over 25 years of hands-on business management and ownership experience, backed by an MBA in Human Resource Development and a post-graduate certificate in Adult Education.

A stage 3 rectal cancer survivor living with a permanent colostomy, Michelle uses her personal experiences to drive awareness, representation, and meaningful action. She has battled poverty, childhood abuse, and addiction, maintaining her recovery from opioid and narcotic dependency since October 2000. As a suicide survivor, she intimately understands the impact of loss, having lost her husband to suicide in 2008 after his struggle with complex PTSD from military service.

Through writing, radio, podcasts, and public speaking, Michelle shares her story with raw emotion, humor, and authenticity, forging deep connections with audiences in both motivational and educational settings. Her work challenges stigma, fosters resilience, and inspires real change by turning adversity into advocacy.

In the news:

September 16, 2023: https://discoverwestman.com/articles/i-know-we-can-do-better-and-we-deserve-better-spruce-woods-mlp-candidate-michelle-budiwski 

September 18, 2023: https://youtu.be/X9I9qyW1Q4E?si=LJjbnQrSvucHcNj3

June 6, 2023: https://www.brandonsun.com/local/2023/06/06/budiwski-looks-to-run-for-liberals-in-spruce-woods

December 1, 2023: https://www.brandonsun.com/local/2023/12/01/electric-vehicles-spark-conversation

May 9, 2019: https://www.brandonsun.com/local/2019/05/09/businesswoman-tops-awards

January 18, 2019: https://www.brandonsun.com/local/2019/01/18/budiwski-chronicles-addiction-journey-in-book

November 17, 2017: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/michelle-budiwski-shares-drug-addiction-story-1.4405541