Cross going for federal seat

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This article was published 30/09/2019 (2584 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Billie Cross believes it’s time for change.

The Niakwa Place resident is the New Democratic Party of Canada candidate in the riding of Saint Boniface-Saint Vital in the upcoming federal election.

Cross — a teacher at Windsor Park Collegiate — is no stranger to the political trail, having recently run as the NDP candidate in the provincial election last month, finishing second to Progressive Conservative Party of Manitoba candidate Andrew Smith in the newly defined provincial constituency of Lagimodière.

The 46-year-old, who is married to Steve and has three children, said she was encouraged to take another campaign run by the support and encouragement she received from family, friends and community members during and after her provincial run.

“I was encouraged by so many people to step up and take the nomination,” Cross said, noting she discussed the prospect of running again with her family before making the decision, and they are behind her “one hundred per cent.”

“I think I did well in the provincial election and built up a good momentum, and I wanted to continue that. And the issues in the community are the same ones I heard a month ago when I was campaigning before. One of the most important parts of that campaign was being out on the front lines and talking with people on the front lines, and understanding what they need and what they want. I’m here to serve people and help people.”

Cross said healthcare is a big issue with residents in the riding, as is affordability, and she said having to juggle the cost of necessities such as rent, bills, prescriptions, and groceries is an increasing struggle for many residents in the riding. She also emphasized the growing need to address global issues now in light of being in “a climate crisis.”

When it comes to the party she’s representing, Cross believes the NDP is the right party to take the riding forward.

“The party is for everyone, for all of us,” she said.

“It’s time for a change, and a fresh perspective and fresh ideas. It’s time to try something different. Healthcare is getting worse, and we need to make life more affordable. Life hasn’t gotten any cheaper, it’s gotten more expensive. People need to vote NDP, as we’re the party that will best serve the needs of everyday people,” Cross added, noting how proud she is of her Métis heritage.

Go online at www.ndp.ca/candidates for more information about Cross.