[1][2] Prior to entering public life herself, Rowat was a constituency assistant to Progressive Conservative MLA Harold Gilleshammer, and worked as a community development officer in the Souris region.
She also served on the board of directors of the South West Regional Health Authority,[1] and was a Public Relations Chair for the Manitoba Winter Games 2006 Bid Committee.
When Gilleshammer retired as MLA for Minnedosa in 2003, Rowat won the Progressive Conservative nomination to replace him.
[citation needed] Rowat defeated NDP candidate Harvey Paterson, but by a margin of only twelve votes (as confirmed on recount).
[3] She has served as opposition critics in several areas: Culture, Heritage & Tourism; Aboriginal & Northern Affairs; Multiculturalism; and Communities Economic Development Fund.