Bjornson has lived for his entire life in the community of Interlake, Manitoba. He worked as a teacher before entering politics, and has extensive experience in local community service. Bjornson received a Governor General's Award for excellence in teaching Canadian history in 2000, and a Prime Minister's Medal in 2001. He also served as a town councillor in Gimli between 1988 and 2002.
Bjornson was new MLAs in the New Democratic Party caucus following the party's provincial election victory in 2003. He was elected in the riding of Gimli, which had been won by the Progressive Conservatives in the election of 1999. With the incumbent MLA retiring, Bjornson defeated Tory candidate Vern Sabeski by 5500 votes to 3651.
Bjornson received a Governor General's Award for excellence in teaching Canadian history in 2000, and a Prime Minister's Medal in 2001.
Elected in the June, 2003 general election, PeterBjornson was appointed the Minister of Education, Citizenship and Youth by Premier Gary Doer on November 4, 2003.
Elected in the June, 2003 general election, PeterBjornson was appointed the Minister of Education by Premier Gary Doer on November 4, 2003.