James Bezan
- Born
- May 19, 1965 — Russell, Manitoba
- Education
- Majored in livestock technology in Olds College's Agricultural Production program
- Career
- Worked in the livestock and cattle industries in the 1980s and 1990s and started his own company in 1996. Served as Chief Executive Officer of the Manitoba Cattle Producer's Association and has sat on boards in the fields of cattle and food production. Operates a family farm near Teulon, Manitoba.
- Political Experience
- First elected in the riding of Selkirk—Interlake in the 2004 federal election, and was re-elected in the 2006, 2008, 2011, 2015, 2019, 2021, and 2025 federal elections.
- Notable
- Awarded the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, Ukraine's highest civilian award, by the president of Ukraine. Was one of thirteen Canadians banned from travelling to Russia under retaliatory sanctions imposed by Russian president Vladimir Putin in March 2014.
Based on publicly available information — may contain inaccuracies
Business & Financial Interests
Before entering federal politics in 2004, James Bezan had a career in the agriculture and livestock industry. He reportedly operated his family's farm in the Teulon, Manitoba area. He was also involved in various agricultural organizations and businesses. According to his public disclosures, he has held interests in a numbered company and a family farm corporation, Bezan Farms Ltd.
Key Relationships & Connections
As a long-serving Member of Parliament, Bezan has held senior roles within the Conservative Party, including serving as the Shadow Minister for National Defence. He is known for his strong advocacy for Ukraine and has been a prominent member of the Canada-Ukraine Parliamentary Friendship Group. This has reportedly led to close working relationships with Ukrainian-Canadian community organizations and officials. He was sanctioned by Russia in 2014 for his vocal criticism of the Putin regime's actions in Ukraine.
Potential Conflicts of Interest
In 2013, the Ethics Commissioner investigated a trip Bezan and his wife took to Azerbaijan that was paid for by a Canadian-based Azerbaijani lobby group. The Commissioner's report concluded that while Bezan did not break the conflict-of-interest code, the acceptance of such sponsored travel by an MP's spouse could create the appearance of a conflict. The report cautioned MPs about accepting such gifts for their spouses.
Public Controversies
In 2014, Bezan faced public controversy after a photo surfaced showing him and another Canadian official with members of a Ukrainian volunteer battalion. The battalion had been linked in some reports to far-right ideologies. In response to the controversy, Bezan stated that he had met with many groups during his trip to Ukraine and was not aware of the specific political affiliations of the individuals in the photograph.
Where James falls on key policy spectrums
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James Bezan won with 32,788 votes (60.2%)
Total votes cast: 54,479
How does James Bezan's voting record line up with your values?
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