©2021 FP Newspaper Inc.
Quick Links
Ways to support us
Replica E-Edition
Business
Arts & Life
Sports
Opinion
Media
Homes
Canstar Community News
Coupons
About Us
The Free Press invited all provincial candidates to fill out a questionnaire about themselves, the issues affecting their communities, and what they hope to achieve in office.
Ten questions on the issues: Find out how your opinions compare with the candidates hoping to become your next MLA.
We’ll then show you how the candidates’ positions compare to yours.
If a party’s position doesn’t appear on the scale below, their candidate did not respond to the question.
Legend
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
PCHow 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
PCThe Pallister government plans to eliminate the deficit by 2022. Should balancing the books be a priority?
Essential
High priority
Neutral
Low priority
Not important
PCIn 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
PCThere 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
PCHow important is it for the provincial government to take steps to address climate change?
Urgent
Important
Neutral
Not important
Unnecessary
PCWill 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
PCI 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
PCManitoba’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
PCHow 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
PCThe candidates, as people: Would-be MLAs introduce themselves to you and describe their backgrounds, what made them decide to run for office, and how they hope to solve the problems facing your community.
Read More
Age: 48
Profession: Member of the Legislative Assembly
Education:
Hons. Bachelors of Arts, Political Studies and Sociology – Brandon University
What is the biggest issue facing your community, and how would you address it?
We have seen significant residential growth especially young families. New schools are essential, and I am pleased that McPhillips will see four new schools constructed along with attached daycare spaces.Why did you decide to run for office?
I originally ran in 2014 in response to the NDPs illegal PST hike and my belief that Manitobans deserve a government delivers on promises that it made to Manitoban’s.Manitoba is marking its 150th anniversary next year. Suggest one way we can make it a memorable occasion.
I believe the key to a successful 150th is each of us reaching out to former Manitobans to visit and see how much our province has changed and has to offer.Tell us something about yourself that voters might find surprising.
I have run over 50 half marathons
https://shannonmartin4mla.com/
https://twitter.com/martinformla
https://www.facebook.com/ShannonMartinforMLA/
Read Less
Read More
Age: 40
Profession: 20 year broadcast veteran of Cinema, Television, Stage and Radio. Nationally syndicated radio program on the Rogers Rock Radio Network. Have worked with ESPN Boxing, the AHL, NHL, CFL, and WHL, as well as coaching Junior hockey in the AJHL, MMJHL, and MJBHL.
Education:
Associates Degree in Communication via The Southern Alberta Institute of Technology in Calgary Alberta.
What is the biggest issue facing your community, and how would you address it?
The Chief Peguis bridge is set to add more lights to our transportation infrastructure, this is unacceptable for the people who live in the area, and those that will be using the extension for their commutes. We have to stop thinking about the next 5 years (as most politicians do), and start thinking about the 50, and 500 years when it comes to our growing population and the infrastructure it will need to support that growth. In that same breath, the Red River cannot be our dumping ground anymore, it's killing our lakes and previous (and current) governments shrug their shoulders at the situation all while telling us that we need to do better for our environment.Why did you decide to run for office?
I was really good at hockey, a fierce competitor to the last buzzer. That was taken away from me when I went blind in my right eye from a puck that struck me. Wanting to stay attached to the game, I entered into the field of broadcast and was really good at that job over the last 20 years. That career is no longer an option for me, but the skill set I acquired while working in media, is a very good fit for working in politics. I have thick skin, I am a great debater and will use these skills to benefit my constituents.Manitoba is marking its 150th anniversary next year. Suggest one way we can make it a memorable occasion.
The same way we've been making it memorable over the last 50 years; being kind to each other. It's why we wear "Friendly Manitoba" proudly on our license plates! Winning a Grey Cup would also be a nice cherry on top!Tell us something about yourself that voters might find surprising.
Despite the awful thing this newspaper and other media outlets have reported about me over the last 14 months couldn't be further from the truth of who I am as a human being. The role I played as a rock radio morning show host came with its share of hyperbolic personality traits that some would find less than attractive. If you speak to anyone that truly knows me, they would tell you that I am one of the kindest, most welcoming and caring people they know. That may be pumping my own tires a bit, but I am very proud of the person that I am, and am always open for a conversation with anyone who would like to share one with me.
https://www.davewheeler.ca/
@Wheelerj28
Read Less
Read More
Age: 41
Profession: 15 years as a civil servant for the Province of Manitoba with 2 ½ years as a constituency manager for a Federal Member of Parliament constituency. Currently, an inspector for the Province of Manitoba.
Education:
I completed my high school diploma from West Kildonan Colligate in 1996 and then graduated from the University of Winnipeg with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice in 2001.
What is the biggest issue facing your community, and how would you address it?
In talking to the residents of McPhillips, most agree that the state of our healthcare system is the biggest issue facing our community. The closure of the Seven Oaks emergency room has made an immediate impact to many residents, particularly with seniors. Many seniors decided to enjoy their golden years of retirement by investing in the surrounding communities around Seven Oaks hospital due to the services that it offered. Many seniors are concerned that if they find themselves in an emergency, the time to get to a hospital to receive help might be too late as the travel time has increased. In addressing this concern, the Manitoba Liberals have committed to working with Seven Oaks hospital administration to open the emergency room. Our plan is to reduce the levels of bureaucracy currently in affect, give more control to the hospital administrators and work to open the emergency room as the Seven Oaks hospital is the main emergency facility for North Winnipeg residents and the numerous municipalities located around the city of Winnipeg.Why did you decide to run for office?
This is my second attempt at running for office. I previously ran in the 2017 Point Douglas by-election. I decided to run the first time as it was a lifelong dream to be in politics. I knew I wanted to help people and Point Douglas residents are living in one of the poorest neighbourhoods in Canada. This time, I take inspiration from my children. I look at the current state of our Province and I relate to my children’s experience. Like most Manitobans, I am concerned about education cuts, a pending review of childcare centres, the state of our health care and the rise of crime due in part of the meth crisis.Manitoba is marking its 150th anniversary next year. Suggest one way we can make it a memorable occasion.
One suggestion I would put forward in celebrating Manitoba 150 is an education campaign paid by the government in teaching the residents of how Manitoba came to be. Highlighting the times of Louis Riel and how we became a Province is key to understanding where we came from. The education campaign would highlight both sides of the story, from the perspectives of the Government at the time and the people that worked to make us a Province. Although, parts of the history are gruesome with wars and a hanging of the father of Manitoba, it also highlights how the strength of the few can change history for our country and a community.Tell us something about yourself that voters might find surprising.
One of my biggest goals in winning is to bring respectability to the word politician. Many people have expressed their dissatisfaction with politicians, claiming that politicians do not work for the community and rather work for their personal goals. To me, what most voters will be surprised to read, is that I’m really focused on working for our community to improve our situation. Party platforms aside, my commitment is genuine to my community and the lists of concerns and needs is ever growing. Whether it’s early childhood education, seniors concerns, or concerns that don’t fall within the Provincial purview I’m committed to finding solutions or at the very least, try to provide an answer. My community members can rest assured that, if I win, they will have a person who is committed to working for them, no matter what their political preference may be and at the end of the day. I hope they recognized that I’m trying, and this politician might just change their opinion on most politicians.
https://www.manitobaliberals.ca/johncacayuran
@john cacayuran
https://www.facebook.com/JohnCForMcPhillips/
Read Less
No response given
Read More
Age: 40
Profession: I am an Red Seal electrician, Canadian Armed Forces veteran, and labour activist. I am the former Director of the Manitoba Federation of Labour, and First Vice-Chair of the Winnipeg Labour Council. I am in my second term as a school trustee for the Seven Oaks School Division, and now vice-chair to the board.
Education:
I graduated from Garden City Collegiate, and I am a Red Seal Electrician.
What is the biggest issue facing your community, and how would you address it?
The biggest issue is healthcare. Closing our 7 Oaks ER & ICU was devastating to my community. The jobs lost, cut, or moved has created havoc with the frontline workers who have dedicated their lives to helping us when we are at our weakest; the countless stories I have been told by people in the community of the 7 Oaks ER saving their lives, that they would not have made it to a further ER, that the level of care and genuine caring attitude from the staff were incredible. People are feeling deserted and scared. The north is quickly expanding, and we need to have our ER open and staffed adequately with quality staff. When Pallister decided to close the emergency room and ICU at Seven Oaks Hospital, I knew I couldn’t stay silent. I jumped into action, forming an activist group called Save the Seven Oaks ER & ICU. Immediately the community got involved. We held rallies (some with hundreds of people), circulated petitions and used local media to help bring even more of my community together in protesting these drastic cuts.Why did you decide to run for office?
I’ve seen how this government’s bad choices—to close emergency rooms and increase Hydro and autopac rates—are hurting the families in our community. But I wanted to do more than protest cuts. I wanted to help fix the damage caused to our health care system and make life more affordable for McPhillips families.Manitoba is marking its 150th anniversary next year. Suggest one way we can make it a memorable occasion.
One suggestion I would have is to create community-based events celebrating Manitoba's rich history and that bring people together from all walks of life, creating friendships that last a lifetime.Tell us something about yourself that voters might find surprising.
My guilty pleasure at the end of a long day at work is watching 90 day fiancé with my wife, and enjoying the spiciest hot wings I can find.
https://www.gregmcfarlane.ca
www.twitter.com/mcfarlane2019
https://www.facebook.com/mcfarlane4mcphillips
Read Less