Pending the results of a council vote next week, a rookie city councillor will be the new chair of the Winnipeg Police Board. 

Mayor Brian Bowman said today that he will be recommending Coun. Kevin Klein (Charleswood-Tuxedo-Westwood) as the replacement for David Asper, who was the city's first citizen Police Board chair. 

"A couple things are being worked on by the Police Board right now including preparation for next year's budget and a new strategic plan," Bowman said. "Councillor Klein will have the opportunity to oversee that with the board." 

Bowman says the two main reasons he chose Klein for the role include him running a campaign heavily focused on public safety and his previous work with another police board. 

He adds although it didn't factor into the decision, the fact Klein is Metis and will bring an Indigenous voice to the role is beneficial. 

"It's nice breaking new ground as he'll be the first chair of the Winnipeg Police Board of Indigenous heritage," Bowman said. "His commitment to public safety is real and he has a wealth of experience." 

Klein, who served on the police board in Cobourg, Ont., said being Metis doesn't make him any more qualified for the job, but it reflects what he believes is an increasingly diverse city hall. 

"I certainly don't feel it will make a difference in my abilities but I think it is very important that it follows what the city is doing," Klein said. "And that's making sure we are an inclusive society, an inclusive city and inclusive in everything we do." 

Asper was appointed chair the board after Coun. Jeff Browaty (North Kildonan) resigned in 2017. Asper told reporters while he enjoyed his time on the board, he's excited to step back and see what Klein can and will do. 

"This city is extremely fortunate to have the leadership it does at the Winnipeg Police Service," Asper said. "I think we've made a contribution towards building upon earlier iterations of the Police Board, I think we've made a contribution to provide more civilian oversight of the police service." 

"I'm glad for the opportunity and wish Kevin all of the success." 

One of Klein's main goals will be to guide the Police Board through annual increases to the police budget. Recently, the police budget has seen increases consistent with inflation and Klein said although he hasn't been completely briefed yet, he expects that to continue. 

Bowman didn't comment directly on reports that the Coun. Markus Chambers (St. Norbert-Seine River) will replace Coun. Ross Eadie (Mynarski) on the police board, but said that's a possibility. 

That will also be voted on by council.