Charlotte Oleson

Oleson was educated at Minnedosa College, the Manitoba Provincial Normal School and Brandon University. She worked as a school librarian before entering political life. She was a councillor in the Village of Glenboro from 1977 to 1980, and the Deputy Mayor of the community from 1980 to 1982. She also served as Vice-Chair of the Cypress Planning District from 1980 to 1982, and is a member of the Glenboro and Area Historical Society.

Oleson was first elected to the Manitoba legislature in the provincial election of 1981, winning an easy victory in the rural riding of Gladstone, generally regarded as safe for the Tories. She was re-elected in the 1986 election, despite a credible showing from a candidate of the upstart Confederation of Regions Party. The Manitoba New Democratic Party won both of these elections, and Oleson sat in the opposition benches.

She was re-elected again in the provincial election of 1988, as the Progressive Conservatives formed a minority government under the leadership of Gary Filmon. On May 9, 1988, she was named Minister of Community Services and Minister of Employment Services and Economic Security with responsibility for the Status of Women. She was relieved of the latter two responsibilities on April 21, 1989, and did not seek re-election in 1990.

Oleson remains an active member of the Glenboro community, serving as President of the Glenboro Development Corporation and Chair of the Friends of Spruce Wood Park.