Duane Nicol was born and raised in the community of Selkirk. Duane attended the Lord Selkirk Regional Comprehensive Secondary School where he graduated with a Science Major. During high school Duane got his first job at the local McDonald’s restaurant as a regular crew member but within 10 months Duane was promoted to a management position at the age of 16.

   Duane entered the University of Manitoba’s Engineering program in the fall of 1998. After one year Duane made the decision to devote his life to public service so he transferred to the Department of Arts and entered the Political Studies program. Paying for his own education, Duane frequently worked two jobs while maintaining a heavy course load. Duane earned his Honours Degree in Political Studies in the spring of 2003.

   While in university Duane was extremely active both on and off campus. On campus Duane served two terms as an elected representative on the University of Manitoba Students’ Union (UMSU). During his first term he served as chairperson of that organization. Duane was also a regular panelist on the “Political Panel” radio talk show on 101.1 UMFM.

   Off campus Duane became involved with local community groups such as the Selkirk and District Handi-Bus and the Selkirk and District Chamber of Commerce.

   In 2001 the Minister of Health appointed Duane to the Interlake Regional Health Authority Board of Directors. Since 2001 Duane has served as the chair of the Planning Committee and the Audit Committee for the IRHA and has sat on the executive committee. The planning committee has been the driving force behind the IRHA’s efforts to improve accountability to citizens and provide mechanism for public input on health care delivery in the region. The IRHA has worked closely with the Auditor General’s office in making these improvements and through its efforts has initiated a Manitoba Health review of health care accountability for all Regional Health Authorities. 

   In 2002 Duane was elected to Selkirk City Council, the youngest person ever to be elected to that office. He has set new levels of local government accessibility and accountability by advertising contact information, establishing a web site and maintaining a current checklist of campaign commitments. In October 2003 Duane was invited by the Chief Electoral Officer of Canada to participate in the National Forum on Youth Voting in Calgary as a result of an article he wrote for the Winnipeg Free Press on youth participation in politics.

   Duane was re-elected to Selkirk City Council in 2006 where he has been leading the charge to develop a public transit service.

Duane works as the Manager of Corporate Social Responsibility for Assiniboine Credit Union.