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Frances Koncan:
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.
No response given
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Profession: MLA, former registered nurse.
Education:
RN
What is the biggest issue facing your community, and how would you address it?
The issue I hear most about at the doors is that of people wanting a health care system that can meet the needs of its’ citizens. Many people recognize that change is needed to strengthen the system for the long term, while some express fear of that change. I believe that in order to have a better system that delivers timely and quality care a system update is needed. Our health care system needs to reflect better outcomes and value for patients, and that’s reflected in our PC transformation plan for healthcare. Throwing more money at the system doesn’t achieve these results - it just props up the status quo and led to the worst ER wait times in Canada. That is not good enough.Why did you decide to run for office?
I wanted to run for office because I have a passion for public service; I wanted to be able to do things that make a positive difference for people.Manitoba is marking its 150th anniversary next year. Suggest one way we can make it a memorable occasion.
: It will be an exciting time next year as Manitoba celebrates its 150th anniversary. I look forward to many different large and small events across the province where people can celebrate together. To make it even more memorable, I would love to see a way to celebrate inspiring Manitobans who have achieved success in areas ranging from entertainment and sports to science and business—some sort of Manitoba Walk of Fame to recognize and recall these success stories that are so inspiring.Tell us something about yourself that voters might find surprising.
Voters might be surprised to find out that I like listening to classic rock, gardening, wearing baseball caps and reading psychological thrillers.Read Less
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Age: 41
Profession: Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CGA). Financial statements, taxes, quantitative analysis, SQL programming.
Education:
Bachelor of Commerce - Hons (University of Manitoba), Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA Manitoba), Investment Funds in Canada - Honors (CSI), Software Development Certificate - In Progress(Red River College)
What is the biggest issue facing your community, and how would you address it?
Healthcare services, specifically as it relates to senior citizens. Reduce wait times for critical procedures like hip/knee replacement, cataract correction and diagnostic imaging. Replace surgery quotas with patient-based alternatives that combined with increased access to outpatient services achieves better results. Restore emergency services in urgent care facilities, which promotes access and eliminates the need to self-diagnose.Why did you decide to run for office?
I think Manitoba can do better than Brian Pallister and Wab Kinew as their Premier and I saw an opportunity to run independently under the Manitoba Liberal banner. More Manitoba Liberals elected means a minority government and more accountability.Manitoba is marking its 150th anniversary next year. Suggest one way we can make it a memorable occasion.
Decentralize celebratory events into all areas of the province to promote accessibility by all residents.Tell us something about yourself that voters might find surprising.
My parents were divorced when I was 8 and I was raised by a single mother. She went back to school in her late 30s to complete her Bachelor of Education that allowed her to buy a small house and support 3 boys, including their post secondary education. I owe most of my success to my mother’s hard discipline approach. Upon completion of my Bachelor of Commerce, I spent several years taking courses in Sciences and Nursing in an attempt to get into medical school.
https://www.manitobaliberals.ca/michaelbazak
https://twitter.com/BazakMichael
https://www.facebook.com/michael.bazak.14
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Age: 55
Profession: Safety Technician - similar to a workplace safety and health officer
Education:
Graduated grade 12 at John Taylor Collegiate, attended University of Manitoba, attended Red River College and graduated with Honours in Health and safety.
What is the biggest issue facing your community, and how would you address it?
What I am hearing at the doorsteps is people are concerned about healthcare and taxes. This isn’t only an issue directly affecting our area, but the entire province. People are concerned about the shortage of staff, the closing of ER’s and the probability of privatization. The way to address these issues is to include a discussion with all stakeholders in the healthcare industry, allowing input from front line staff, the very people affected by all the changes. As for taxes, if a Green government is elected we will ensure that all tax dollars are spent on what they were intended for including funding better healthcare. Continuing to be unaccountable for taxpayer dollars will no longer be tolerated.Why did you decide to run for office?
The Green Party approached me to run for them and I accepted. I was honoured that they would give me the chance to offer people a real solution to today’s issues. Many people in the area also contacted me and asked me to run again. I accepted because I believe people need a better choice than voting for the same thing they have had for the past 23 years, I believe they need better representation and a stronger voice in the legislature.Manitoba is marking its 150th anniversary next year. Suggest one way we can make it a memorable occasion.
The best way to honour the occasion is to change our voting system so every vote counts, to change the system from first past the post to proportional representation. What better way than to ensure inclusion in our provincial electoral system. Total inclusion is also part of the reconciliation process.Tell us something about yourself that voters might find surprising.
I'm not sure people will find this surprising being Green, but I have my own solar products company and I drive an electric car. Perhaps enjoying heavy metal music might be surprising.
https://kevinnichols.ca
@kevinnichols11
https://www.facebook.com/kevin.nichols.5036
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