Growing up in the community of Wawanesa (just south-east of Brandon) has made me thankful for the value of contributing to my community. Watching my mom struggle to make ends meet as a hard-working Health Care Aid—because the then PC government had rolled-back and frozen her wage —taught me that government decisions have a direct impact on families. I have always been interested in and passionate about creating positive social change, as well as how to use research to inform decisions to support...
Growing up in the community of Wawanesa (just south-east of Brandon) has made me thankful for the value of contributing to my community. Watching my mom struggle to make ends meet as a hard-working Health Care Aid—because the then PC government had rolled-back and frozen her wage —taught me that government decisions have a direct impact on families. I have always been interested in and passionate about creating positive social change, as well as how to use research to inform decisions to support that change. I became active in the NDP in my early twenties because I share party’s values of supporting public services, cooperation, environmental stewardship, and being in it for all of us, not just those at the top.
Profession: I am currently employed as an Educational Assistant with the Brandon School Division. I proudly served as the Councillor for the South Centre for a term on Brandon City Council. Additionally, I have worked as a researcher on projects related to rural economic development in Manitoba, rural broadband, and the 2018 Brandon Point-In-Time Homelessness Count. Over a decade of experience working for the provincial government has given me insight into a wide range of government files, including agriculture, education, family services, housing, and healthy living.
Education:
I hold a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Sociology and a Master’s in Rural Development, with a focus on Rural Sociology—both from Brandon University.
About You
What is the biggest issue facing your community, and how would you address it?
Meth is extremely present in Brandon and Manitoba. One of the most paramount priorities I hear from people in Brandon East is for meaningful action to combat the meth crisis. We are seeing families struggling to get help for their loved ones and rising crime rates. This problem has spiraled out of control under Brian Pallister’s government. He has announced band-aid solutions that fail to address the root causes of addictions.
I am proud that the Manitoba NDP will open 25 emergency chemical detox beds in Brandon within the first 100 days of office. I also believe the establishment of a Recovery Coaching program, along with building a long-term residential treatment centre will provide better access to care in our community. These are crucial and positive impacts that the NDP can provide for Brandon.
Why did you decide to run for office?
I am running because I genuinely want to make life better for the Brandon East community. I am passionate about ensuring everyone has access to quality health care and education. I want to take action on the climate crisis and work diligently to create jobs in Brandon. Families are frustrated that the meth crisis is being ignored by the provincial government, whether it’s because they cannot get help for a loved one or they no longer feel safe in their neighbourhoods. I am running for MLA to bring the community together and provide leadership that the current MLA is not. Serving as Councillor for the South Centre Ward was a great honour, and I want to continue serving my community as its MLA.
Manitoba is marking its 150th anniversary next year. Suggest one way we can make it a memorable occasion.
For the 150th Anniversary of Manitoba, I want to see positive movement on the meth crisis to have families in our community begin the process of healing. I envision an end to health care cuts imposed by Pallister’s PCs and, instead, real investment in prevention and mental health. Our young people should have more time with their teachers and extra support provided by more Educational Assistants. I want Manitobans to feel optimistic about a government that works for everyday families, not just those at the top.
Tell us something about yourself that voters might find surprising.
Every morning before I head out on the campaign, I spend half an hour learning French, German, and Spanish on an app on my phone. I have always enjoyed learning languages and have found this is a great way to spend some time getting focused for the day, as well as improve my communication skills with my community.
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