Vandal has unfinished business in Ottawa

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This article was published 02/09/2021 (1474 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Dan Vandal has more he wants to do in Ottawa.

The incumbent Saint Boniface–Saint Vital MP is running for re-election for a second time in the upcoming Sept. 20 federal election.

The former longtime city councillor and lifelong St. Boniface resident was first elected to Parliament in 2015, and was re-elected in 2019. He’s also currently serving as northern affairs minister in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s cabinet.

As Canadians prepare to go to the polls next month, Vandal said he’s proud of the government’s accomplishments in what has been an unprecedented time during the last 17 or so months.

“There’s still lots of unfinished business,” Vandal told The Lance. “I’m very proud of what we’ve accomplished in the first six years, and there’s still a lot to do in terms of issues like Winnipeg’s infrastructure, reconciliation, and the climate crisis.”

“It’s a very difficult period right now for Canadians because of COVID-19, and the federal government has made some decisions that will have added importance for our children and grandchildren. It’s been an incredibly tough situation for everyone, and I think we’ve done a good job from the very beginning of the pandemic.

“Our first priority has been to make sure individuals and families are safe and healthy, and we’ve worked with the provinces and paid for vaccines to ensure there’s enough vaccine for every Canadian to be protected, as well as securing personal protective equipment and rapid testing tools. CERB (the Canada Emergency Response Benefit) was also a lifeline for many Canadians, and many businesses and non-profits received support. And it’s important to remember that it’s not over, which we have to keep front of mind. We need to finish the job against COVID-19.”

On a local level, Vandal said he continues to work closely with local area councillors Brian Mayes and Matt Allard to help support local infrastructure programs, which is “well-needed on our local streets and roads.”

Federally, he said he’s privileged to have been appointed minister of northern affairs and have a role in Trudeau’s cabinet. He’s also honoured to be chair of the cabinet committee on reconciliation.

After a political career spanning more than 25 years, Vandal still loves representing the residents of southeast Winnipeg — something he hopes will continue next month.  

“I hope the people of St. Boniface and St. Vital will allow me to keep serving them, as it will be a privilege to be able to continue to do so,” he said.

Vandal is married to Brigitte Léger, and the couple has four children, one grandchild, and another one on the way — due date Sept. 25.

At press time, Shola Agboola (CPC), Jane MacDiarmid (PPC), Laurent Poliquin (Green), and Meghan Waters (NDP) were among the other candidates registered in Saint Boniface–Saint Vital.