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

  Jeff Wharton: These steps will assist us with aligning ourselves with other jurisdictions within Canada. This will ensure Manitobans will receive the right care sooner.

  MF

  Jocelyn Burzuik: I believe that streamlining health services is an important step, but that has to be accompanied by the addition of services for mental health and substance abuse. Our front end services are chronically under-staffed. These are the cleaning staff, nurses, technicians, and doctors. The elimination of back end administration and bureaucracy has to be followed by increases in those services. The addition of holistic treatment programs can also take a burden off the urgent and emergency rooms. If you are going to separate them to streamline - go the next step and add in what we need as patients.

  GPM

  Graham Hnatiuk: Mr Pallister and the PC government have yet to explain to Manitobans why and how this improves our health care.

  NDP

  Chris Pullen: When I talked to families they all tell me the same thing- they didn't vote to close emergency rooms or cause chaos in the healthcare system. Brian Pallister closed three emergency rooms across Winnipeg and it's caused wait times to get longer and the quality of care to worsen. No one believes Brian Pallister when it comes to health care. The front line experts, like nurses and doctors, say his cuts have damaged our system and put patients at risk.

• 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

  Jeff Wharton: Manitobans are the owners of our Crown Corporations. Working in collaboration with Crown stakeholders will ensure sustainable public service for all Manitobans.

  MF

  Jocelyn Burzuik: Oversight of crown corporations does need to occur - but the Province cannot use the surplus funds to drive up rates for taxpayers to fund unrealistic or poorly planned projects. And this does not just pertain to Hydro. Each Crown corporation is there to generate a revenue, and provide a service. But those funds cannot be spent by the Province without due diligence to the idea of accountable budgets. In every department. Tax dollars don't belong to the Province - they are held in trust to provide services and infrastructure. My message is to spend "our money" wisely.

  GPM

  Graham Hnatiuk: No Comment

  NDP

  Chris Pullen: Manitoba Hydro must stay public so rates can stay affordable for families and we can transition it into a renewable energy company by creating thousands of clean jobs across the province. Pallister's political interference in the affairs of MPI is wrong. Time and again, he puts the profits of insurance brokers ahead of the needs of Manitoba drivers. Families have already seen their autopac rates rise because of his interference. Brian Pallister's plan to privatize Manitoba Hydro and MPI will mean higher bills for families, big payouts to executives and poorer quality service. The NDP will keep our Crown Corporations public so that life is affordable for all of us.

• 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

  Jeff Wharton: In order for Manitobans to continue to rely on the essential services such as health care, education, social services, to name a few, we must continue on our path on balancing the provincial budget. Balancing the books will allow us to continue to support and enhance these services for the sustainable future.

  MF

  Jocelyn Burzuik: Deficit elimination is a key priority. But deficit elimination does not mean we rob Peter to pay Paul - as has been done over the last three years. It means that we actually look at what is going on with procurement, consultants, lobbyists, corporate welfare, and our public sector, and find common sense solutions to make the dollars go farther. We don't need less investment in roads, and our waterways - we need more.

  GPM

  Graham Hnatiuk: No Comment

  NDP

  Chris Pullen: Brian Pallister's cuts to health care - like closing emergency rooms, cutting CancerCare or cutting physiotherapy - are hurting patients and causing chaos for front line workers. He's made cuts on the backs of families, nurses, students and workers. It's the wrong approach. I believe the solution to Brian Pallister's extreme austerity is not extreme spending. The NDP's fully costed platform has a plan to return to balance by 2024. We will achieve balance by making the right choices for Manitobians and eliminating Pallister's wasteful spending-like $23 million in contracts to high priced consultants or millions in expensive overtime pay for understaffed nurses.

• 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

  Jeff Wharton: Historical averages have been approximately $350 million annually, with the exception of the NDP's final year in Government. As we continue to reduce the deficit, this will provide opportunity to invest sustainably in our highways.

  MF

  Jocelyn Burzuik: The construction industry is probably right in how much investment is needed. As a builder myself, I can see the logic in the number. But again, how our Province engages in construction work is the problem. Our procurement has to be streamlined, and the bidding process made fair. Right now, that is not what happens. As the Province strangles MB construction companies through shoddy project management, everything goes up in price, and production goes down. $350 million should turn our Province into a gem. But as it stands, that additional investment would bring about half of that in real value.

  GPM

  Graham Hnatiuk: No Comment

  NDP

  Chris Pullen: Brian Pallister cut the infrastructure budget by 40% and then underspent it by about half. It's meant less jobs for working families and millions in lost revenue for the provincial economy. The NDP has a plan to invest $6.6 billion in strategic infastructure - like roads, buildings and highways - to create 50,000 good jobs and keep our economy moving.

• 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

  Jeff Wharton: Other jurisdictions across Canada have proven that this model does not work. A focus on education, prevention and mental health supports is a top priority for our Government.

  MF

  Jocelyn Burzuik: I don't believe that enabling addiction is the answer. Families are being torn apart by the lack of suitable treatment options for their loved ones. We don't want to watch them inject safely necessarily, we want them safe and sober. Meth addiction in particular is driving up both urban and rural crime rates, property is damaged, and places like Manitoba Housing become ground zero. Our most vulnerable members of our society are literally being put further at risk. Instead, really invest in better, and more accessible treatment options in both Winnipeg and the rest of Manitoba.

  GPM

  Graham Hnatiuk: No Comment

  NDP

  Chris Pullen: Experts are clear—safe consumption sites save lives and keep our communities safe. By providing safe and supervised access, these sites help people struggling with addictions to find treatment. Under Brian Pallister, Manitoba’s meth problem became a full blown crisis. His inaction has meant tens of thousands of needles in public parks, an unprecedented spike in syphillus and HIV rates, and a dramatic increase in property and violent crime rates. The NDP has a plan to immediately address the meth crisis, with some action being taken in the first 100 days of office. We will invest in long term treatment, harm reduction and supports for people with addictions so we can keep our communities safe.

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

  Urgent

  Important

  Neutral

  Not important

  Unnecessary

  PC

  Jeff Wharton: Manitoba is one of the greenest Provinces in Canada. Manitobans have made substantial investments in clean green energy. Our made in Manitoba Climate and Green Plan carves out a path forward ensuring Manitobans do their part in addressing climate change.

  MF

  Jocelyn Burzuik: "Climate change" is not our issue. Our Province is primarily carbon neutral, and the money being invested in lowering CO2 emissions across our Province are pulling away needed funds for the real environmental issues. The problem is that "climate change" has co-opted real environmental issues like the pollution of our waterways. Right now, we have a Lake that is filled with toxic algae blooms, and a changing ecosystem. And, we have not even come close to recognizing real health issues like the introduction of pharmaceuticals into those waterways. Our existing treatment processes don't deal with any of that. So as we spend billions of dollars on "saving" our nation from climate change, we poison our families with a toxic brew that will impact our families for generations. Our priorities are in the wrong place, not our hearts - and that is through a lack of awareness. We only have to look east to Grassy Narrows, and the continued dumping of mercury laden effluent into the ecosystem to see that. What Manitobans do not realize is that water flows everywhere, and eastern Manitoba sees those impacts already. I believe in common sense environmental actions, and resource management.

  GPM

  Graham Hnatiuk: Grandstanding on carbon taxes and floating ideas about biofuels are not solutions for the climate crisis. We need solutions, we know what they are. We need the leadership to make those solutions reality.

  NDP

  Chris Pullen: The fight against climate change is a fight for our future—a safer, cleaner future for our kids. Families in my constituency want to do their part to help solve the climate crisis, but they also want life to stay affordable. Under Brian Pallister, emissions rose and our lakes and rivers continued to be polluted. First he supported a carbon tax, then he flip flopped and let big polluters off the hook. The NDP has a plan that will help families make cleaner choices. It starts by taking $350 off every household’s Hydro bill to encourage them to use clean energy. We’ll also invest millions to upgrade the North End Water Treatment plant to help return Lake Winnipeg to health and to protect wetlands across the province. Our plan to transition Manitoba Hydro away from building dams and towards funding renewable energy sources will not only protect the future of our environment but create thousands of good jobs across the province.

• 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

  Jeff Wharton: We must continue research and development and educating Manitobans on alternative forms of clean green energy in areas of transportation, home building, commercial development and agriculture.

  MF

  Jocelyn Burzuik: In Manitoba, what options do consumers really have with regard to their carbon footprint? With solar installations no longer promoted via subsidy through Manitoba Hydro, that avenue is now closed. In addition, solar panels have a massive environmental impact, and their disposal is not easy. Panels that cost $16,000 will see their disposal cost about 50% of that when their time is up. Energy efficient furnaces are only as good as the building envelope that they are installed in. That means insulation, windows and doors. And those are big investments that many Manitobans cannot afford. Outside of Winnipeg, there are no real options for public transportation with both rail and bus services being cut in many outlying areas. So how do Manitobans reduce from what they have? A smarter way? How about investing in regional waste to energy sites, gain the massive carbon credits on a provincial scale, and pass it back to the residents of Manitoba. Again - common sense and effective.

  GPM

  Graham Hnatiuk: While a carbon tax is the least we can do to address this enormous problem, there are many low-hanging fruit things we can do with carbon tax revenue, such as investing in Electric Vehicle infrastructure.

  NDP

  Chris Pullen: I believe a price on pollution will help families to become more aware of their greenhouse gas emissions. Our plan will go farther by incentivizing families to use more clean, Hydro power while giving them a break on their monthly costs. The money families save can go towards home retrofits or electric vehicles. The NDP will ensure 90% of revenue will be returned to families, and the remaining 10% will go towards green programs and infrastructure projects.

• 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

  Jeff Wharton: Manitobans are the highest taxed jurisdiction west of Quebec. Over 50% of Manitobans have less than $200.00 per month in disposal income after paying their bills. This must change. Our Government is focused on fixing the finances, repairing the services and rebuilding our economy, while striking a balance on spending on public services.

  MF

  Jocelyn Burzuik: The only answer to this is fiscal accountability. With our existing budgets - we have more than enough of a budget to provide Manitobans with efficient and accessible public services.

  GPM

  Graham Hnatiuk: Public services like emergency rooms, access to transit and safe transportation, and programs to alleviate poverty, substance use or mental health, help Manitobans as a whole. These should not be services cut so that I can have an extra couple hundred bucks "on my kitchen table."

  NDP

  Chris Pullen: We know Brian Pallister’s cuts to health care, education and social services has made the system less efficient and more costly. The NDP’s plan commits to keeping the PST at 7%, but we do ask the top one percent of earners (those making over $250,000/yr) to contribute a little more in taxes to fund public services that benefit all of us. I believe this is a fair and balanced approach.

• 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

  Jeff Wharton: I will not preempt outcomes of the great work being done by the K-12 Review Committee, the report is due at the end of the year.

  MF

  Jocelyn Burzuik: School boards need to follow the same path of accountability. Our current competitive levels put Manitoba near the bottom and that should never happen. Something is broken, and it needs to be addressed. Right now, property owners bear an ever increasing burden for school taxes and school boards need to start addressing accountability within their own budgets.

  GPM

  Graham Hnatiuk: No Comment

  NDP

  Chris Pullen: Local school boards have the expertise and knowledge about the communities, parents and students that they serve. We know Brian Pallister is planning to cut education just like he cut health care. The NDP has a plan for education that will help every student be successful—by keeping class sizes small for early years, hiring EAs and investing in French-language education. I believe education is next on Pallister’s chopping block. Only the NDP can put a stop to his cuts and create a better education system for all of us.

• 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

  Jeff Wharton: When running for Public Office, he or she, must disclose all past history to allow Manitobans to make an informed decision on who to elect to represent them in the Manitoba Legislature.

  MF

  Jocelyn Burzuik: I believe that a person's life experiences will influence how they approach governance. I look at how a person has dealt with personal tragedy, and life situations. Those that can persevere and overcome those situations can bring empathy and a different perspective to representing their constituents. I believe that people with a wide variety of experience within the workforce, and private industry keep our public sector grounded in a more common sense approach to those outside of government.

  GPM

  Graham Hnatiuk: No Comment

  NDP

  Chris Pullen: As a New Democrat, I’m proud to be part of a team that reflects Manitoba and I know voters feel the same way. My fellow candidates bring a diverse experience and skills that will make us the best team to lead a government that works for all of us—not just those at the top.

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