Legend

• PC Progressive Conservative
• LIB Liberal
• NDP New Democratic Party
• CPC-M Communist
• GPM Green
• IND Independent
• MF Manitoba First
• MBFWD Manitoba Forward

• The provincial government says consolidating Winnipeg’s six acute care hospitals down to three will improve overall medical care for patients. Is that the right move?

  Great idea

  Good idea

  We’ll see

  Not a good idea

  Terrible idea

  PC

  Scott Johnston: Our Emergency care was not providing Manitoban's with expectable services under the previous government. Our government recognized that the status quo was not an option. We know that our Doctors and nurses couldn't be faulted for the problems that existed in the system. So the answer had to lie elsewhere. We determined that 85% of the people who seek emergency care actually need urgent care. This was over burdening our health care delivery. We have now created a focused approach to guide us into the future.

  LIB

  Jeff Anderson: The recent Healthcare crisis was started with a plan developed by the NDP and implemented by the PCs. Both parties are to blame for this crisis. The Liberals offer a new way forward. We would merge RHA and Shared Health getting rid of bureaucracy, reopen ERs, expand mental health services, open a virtual 24/7 addictions clinic to address addiction crisis, restore the Life Saving Drug Plan. We would end the rationing of hip and knee replacements and improve senior care by opening 1200 beds. The Liberals would also enlist private clinical psychologists to help school psychologists clear the back log and identify early signs of mental illness in children. The way forward is clear, Manitobans need a stronger advocate for Healthcare reform. The Liberals offer a progressive way forward.

• How much control should the provincial government have over the operations of Crown corporations like Manitoba Public Insurance and Manitoba Hydro?

  Hands-off

  Not much say

  50/50

  Some oversight

  Direct supervision

  PC

  Scott Johnston: Our Government has supported the structure of an appointed board of commissioners to oversee our Crown Corporations. This structure is independent of government and has merit. I do believe that Governments are accountable for the delivery of Crown Corporation services. In my opinion Government Ministers should have the right to influence policies and direction when necessary.

  LIB

  Jeff Anderson: The Manitoba Liberals believe that Crown Corporations are not to be privatized, nor are they to be used as slush funds for the government. We think that Privatization is based on ideological beliefs, not evidence. One belief is that the private sector should profit from the delivery of public services. This ignores that low-cost, quality public services like infrastructure, insurance, electricity, health and education reduce costs for the private sector as well. We want to strengthen Manitoba's Crown Corporations. Look only to the last time a major player was sold off for pennies on the dollar; we lost control of MTS and now pay some of the highest phone rates with the poorest service. MPI is another example; Manitoban's enjoy some of the lowest car insurance rates in Canada, yet the PCs would like to mess with this service. With privatization we could be in the same boat as Ontario, paying thousands more. The Manitoba Liberals stand by our economic plan that sees our trusted partners provide great service to the people of this province. In a greening society why is Manitoba Hydro not at the forefront on a green revolution? Why are we not leading the world with electric cars and buses? We can do better!

• The Pallister government plans to eliminate the deficit by 2022. Should balancing the books be a priority?

  Essential

  High priority

  Neutral

  Low priority

  Not important

  PC

  Scott Johnston: Our Government has gallantly fought to bring our provincial finances under control after more than a decade of mismanagement by the former NDP government. It was essential to bring down the deficit so that the Province's credit rating wouldn't be downgraded. The interest charged was approaching of 1 billion dollars per year. We had to prove that our government was getting a handle on our fiscal house, which we have done. Balancing our budget is within reach and will contribute to the prosperity of all of Manitobans including our children and grandchildren.

  LIB

  Jeff Anderson: The Manitoba Liberals do not believe that austerity is a long term solution to the economic woes that Manitoba finds itself in. The lower than projected growth rate is in part to the slashing of the health budget and the freezing of the wages of the public sector. For purely ideological reasons the PC government, if elected, will push for a balanced budget sooner than they promised. What will be the cost? The cost will come in human terms. Poorer Healthcare choices and outcomes, longer wait times for life altering surgery, larger class sizes, less support for the most vulnerable and more seniors having to face diminished services and supports. Is this the society that we want? The Manitoba Liberals are committed to growing the economy using proven means like infrastructure investments, creating a made in Manitoba Development Bank, buying locally and getting people on public assistance back to work. We believe in Manitoba's potential and pledge not to take the easy way out and slash budgets to achieve an ideological driven benchmark that makes little sense in a modern economy. Rather we pledge to grow our economy and rebuild the bridges, roadways and create digital superhighways connecting all parts of this province.

• In Budget 2019, the provincial government spent approximately $350 million on highways. The construction industry says we need to invest more. Is $350 million the right amount?

  Way too little

  A little under

  About right

  A little too much

  Way too much

  PC

  Scott Johnston: Our Government has a significant rural Manitoba representation of MLA's in our caucus. I believe we have the expertise to determine and address the needs our highways. A $350 million investment is significant.

  LIB

  Jeff Anderson: Manitoba Liberal Government will launch a “New Deal for Infrastructure” to establish an economic foundation for the next century of green growth and renewal in Manitoba. Manitoba’s infrastructure deficit is the amount the province is falling behind on maintenance and necessary investments. The highway deficit alone is estimated to be at $6-billion and the total infrastructure deficit is estimated at $15-billion after decades of underinvestment by the PCs and the NDP alike. The PCs cut $150-million in funding for highways in the 2018 budget, which is a double blow for the construction industry as well as for businesses that face higher costs because of Manitoba’s crumbling infrastructure. Some of Manitoba’s roads and bridges are in such bad shape that trucks have to travel half-full — doubling fuel and transport costs. The PCs also held up applications under a $1.1-billion infrastructure agreement for more than a year. Signed in May 2018, the province did not open applications for projects until June 2019 — just before the election blackout. Dougald Lamont, leader of the Liberals has stated that, “The bad news is that the NDP and PCs have neglected our infrastructure for so long that it needs to be replaced, but the good news is that we have an opportunity to invest in infrastructure that can take our economy to a new level, we want to let Manitobans, industry and municipalities alike know that a Manitoba Liberal government will provide predictable and stable funding. We will be an active partner in growth for years to come.” Working with municipalities, First Nations, and stakeholders, Manitoba Liberals will create a 10-year strategic infrastructure plan to prioritizes urgent and high-return-on-investment infrastructure projects. A Manitoba Liberal Government will invest on average $1.6-billion per year for ten years. This $16 billion investment would see a return of almost $21 billion to Manitoba during that time frame.

• There have been calls to install safe consumption and/or injection sites in Manitoba, so that people with addictions can consume or inject drugs in a space with medical supervision and more readily available access to addiction services. Are these sites a good idea?

  Urgently needed

  A good idea

  Not sure

  Not necessary

  A bad idea

  PC

  Scott Johnston: There are mixed reviews on the benefits of adapting the safe injection concept. Our Government has investigated other jurisdictions who are dealing with this issue and the results are inconclusive. It is my view that prevention is where the majority of investment should go to address this serious issue on a long term basis.

  LIB

  Jeff Anderson: The Manitoba Liberals propose to help solve the Meth crisis by initiating a 24/7 virtual addictions treatment centre along with other important treatment options: we will utilize drug stabilization units, medically supervised detox and expand the number of addiction beds in our community. We admire the courage it took the people in the riding of Assiniboia to support the Bruce Oake Treatment Centre. This project will be a beacon to other communities and will help us realize addictions is a disease that affects all people from every walk of life. When Manitoba faced health crisis in the past, the province initiated coordinated actions to combat the issues. Unfortunately, despite repeated warnings and calls to action, the Pallister Government denied there was even an issue at all. Now, Manitoba finds itself in a full-blown meth crisis with little to no access or services for affected Manitobans. It doesn't make matters better when high ranking officials in the Pallister Government make simplistic arguments that addictions can be avoided by just saying"NO". The Manitoba Liberals realize addictions is a complex issue that demands a multi faceted approach to solve.

• How important is it for the provincial government to take steps to address climate change?

  Urgent

  Important

  Neutral

  Not important

  Unnecessary

  PC

  Scott Johnston: In my view, climate change is a real situation we can't afford to ignore. Certainly, for the long term effects climate change is having on our environment, particularly global warming in the north. We have to remain wary of challenges to endangered species such as polar bears. We have to be very aware of how change is effecting Manitoba's number one industry, agriculture.

  LIB

  Jeff Anderson: Please read "Manitoba Liberals Plan for Green Growth and Renewal". We are committed to making Manitoba a leader in clean energy; working with nature to reverse pollution; reducing energy use, waste and emissions; making it easier for Manitoba to go green. We are also committed to working with all levels of government to find a successful way forward to achieve climate goals and develop a green economy so that the future of our children is assured.

• Will a carbon tax influence consumer behaviour, such as encouraging people to drive less or make their homes more efficient?

  Definitely won't

  Probably won't

  Not sure

  Probably will

  Definitely will

  PC

  Scott Johnston: Our Green Plan was rejected by the Trudeau Federal government. This plan called for the Federal Government to recognize Manitoba as a green province and proceed on that basis. I believe Manitoban's will be unfairly taxed and I am not sure what that result will be on an individual's behaviour.

  LIB

  Jeff Anderson: The Manitoba Liberals will take back control of climate change policy in Manitoba and will re-open negotiations with the Federal Government. Because the Manitoba PCs abandoned their plan we will renegotiate the deal. Our goal is to not just reduce carbon dioxide emissions, but to become a carbon neutral province. If Manitoba can achieve this carbon negative goal, we believe the Federal Government should compensate us in the form of "carbon reduction transfer payments." The truth is we need to attack climate change by growing a smarter, climate friendly economy. As one of the biggest clean energy producers in Canada the following question begs an answer: Why are we trailing behind other provinces in growing a green economy?

• I would rather have more money in my pocket through tax cuts than have the provincial government increase spending on public services.

  Strongly disagree

  Somewhat disagree

  Neutral

  Somewhat agree

  Strongly agree

  PC

  Scott Johnston: The comments I have received at the doors during this election have been consistent. People feel they are taxed to death and are appreciative of our efforts to continue to reduce them. This question can't be a black and white position. Balance is the key to governing. By taking a position to put more money back into the pockets of Manitobans doesn't compromise a government's ability to address the needs of the people. Giving people financial prosperity enhances their lives.

  LIB

  Jeff Anderson: More money in one's pocket and having a fair, safe and orderly society is possible. The Manitoba Liberals believe that providing people with a fair tax policy will help everyone. Manitoba has forecasted over 11 billion in revenue from taxes and fees for 2019/2020. Canadians for Tax Fairness and other advocacy organizations have argued that many governments in Canada could shrink their deficits without raising taxes — simply by making sure people and companies pay the taxes they owe and by reducing loopholes that make it legal for people to avoid paying taxes. By expanding our tax base by putting more people back to work, closing loopholes in the tax code and ensuring everyone pays their fair share of tax, Manitobans can pay less taxes and still enjoy well funded and effectively administered social programs.

• Manitoba’s K-12 education system is currently undergoing a review of curriculum and spending models. How much control should school boards have when it comes to making education budgets?

  Total control

  More control

  Current system

  Less control

  No control

  PC

  Scott Johnston: As a former School Trustee, being fiscally responsible was a very important part of my role. Education is the second largest government spend behind health care, and taxpayers demand value for money spent. The key is to determine what the best educational investment is in order to achieve the best outcomes. I believe in the autonomy of school boards, however the provincial government is the primary contributor of funds to school divisions and has right to expect fiscal responsibility.

  LIB

  Jeff Anderson: K-12 Education is in need of an overhaul. It is true that our students test scores are near the bottom in relation to other provinces. The difference is quite small and they fall just under the national average in both the PISA and PCAP assessments. Yes, we can do better, but we also have one of the highest rates of child poverty in Canada. Whether we eliminate school boards through amalgamation or get rid of governance altogether is an interesting subject for discussion. The real story is how do we tackle poverty and fund the necessary supports for students in need? The Manitoba Liberals are committed to listening to parents, teachers and school administrators in order to find a better way to deliver educational resources to students when they need them. Effective classroom sizes are one part of the equation; adequate number of Educational Assistants is another. We are committed to bring more psychological resources to address the soaring mental health issues that children experience. Early detection and treatment can change the student's life for the better. Cutting teachers and increasing the student to teacher ratio is not the way to improve education. Larger class sizes and less support for student with learning difficulties is not the recipe for successful outcomes and higher test scores. Real reform stars with a well thought through plan of investment in a system that needs reform. Manitoba Liberals are willing to make that investment.

• How much do you consider a candidate’s personal history - before they entered politics - when deciding who to vote for?

  Not at all

  Very little

  Neutral

  Somewhat

  A lot

  PC

  Scott Johnston: I believe there should be accountability by those seeking election.

  LIB

  Jeff Anderson: Attack ads and other political mud slinging only lowers the trust and belief that citizens have in the democratic process. There is need for some vetting when it comes to serious offences, but things happen in a person's past and they need to own up to it, be forgiven and then move on. I trust Manitobans to make the right choice.

Reset your answers