He was a member of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba from 1977 to 1995, and was a cabinet minister in the Progressive Conservative governments of Sterling Lyon and Gary Filmon.
He worked as a farmer after graduation, becoming active in the Miami Agricultural Society and the local Masonic organization.
[1][3] The Progressive Conservatives won the 1977 election under Sterling Lyon, and Orchard was appointed Minister of Highways and Transport on November 15, 1979.
He held this portfolio until September 10, 1993, when he was appointed Minister of Energy and Mines with responsibility for the Manitoba Hydro Act.
[1] As Health Minister, Orchard banned Medicare coverage from Henry Morgentaler's private abortion clinic.