1. The campaign process is essentially a job interview, so let's start with a job interview question - What do you feel are your qualifications for office?
I've been politically active since my teens, and well versed on the functions of all 3 Levels of Canadian government structures as well as First Nations and Territorial governance models. I don't discount sound and sensible ideas no matter what their source. Even political opponents can have good ideas. The differences are usually in the implementation of an idea to achieve a similarly desired result.
2. What is your plan for the future of Flin Flon’s economy? What role will industry/mining play in that plan?
Growing up in Flin Flon has always included a large amount of time walking on eggshells. The risk of mine closures is ever-present and we have seen how single-industry reliance has cost several communities in the region dearly. Flin Flon must diversify, and soon. Mining is ever-present in Greenstone belts around the world, and the industry won't leave Flin Flon anytime soon, but having a secondary industry will be key to economic success and stability.
3. What measures to benefit northern Manitoba and Flin Flon would you add to a provincial budget?
I would seek an increase in contributions to the Mining Community Reserve Fund (MCRF) and end expenditures from that fund that are currently being allocated to the Mineral Exploration Assistance Program (MEAP) and Mineral Prospectors Assistance Program (MPAP). A separate fund, industry supported, should be established for MEAP and MPAP purposes. I would also try to make the MCRF more accessible to the communities it is supposed to serve.
4. Where do you believe infrastructure spending in Flin Flon should be focused? Should it be increased? Where will the funds come from?
I think infrastructure addressing the increasing substance abuse problems facing
the city. The illicit drug problem is escalating. This needs an approach encompassing education, treatment, prevention, policing, and harm reduction. There should have been a needle exchange or even a safe injection site in place years ago. Parents talk of needles in parks where children play. This is a very high priority for me. Funds will ultimately have to come from all three levels of government.
5. What is your plan regarding northern health care, specifically with local health care? What are your thoughts on the current state of Flin Flon health care?
Obstetrics Services. Presently, as far as I am aware, the only locations in northern Manitoba where childbirth is expected to occur are The Pas and Thompson. Mothers must leave their families, communities, and local supports during a time when those comforts are needed most. We have mothers who are remaining in their communities to deliver as ER patients at facilities that are not adequately equipped to ensure best possible outcomes for both mother and child.
6. How do you plan to improve education in small, northern school divisions?
Children are a bit like Canaries in a Coal Mine; They are indicators of larger social and economic problems. If children experience better nutrition, live in economically stable households, and in neighbourhoods where they feel accepted, valued, and loved, they perform better academically. There are dozens, if not hundreds, of studies that support this. The challenge of improving student success is directly related to making larger socio-economic improvements to the lives of their families.
7. What are your main concerns regarding environmental conservation? Do you support taxation on carbon emissions?
I understand the impacts we have been having but I also see the need for a continued use of liquid fossil fuels for northern transportation. Electric vehicles are a benefit, but they don't work well with northern distances or climate. This is a huge region. A very large portion of Manitoba remains very difficult to access. Northern communities are small and the availability of public transportation is declining.
8. How do you plan to work with the Saskatchewan government to help solve inter-provincial issues with Flin Flon and neighbouring communities?
Neighbours with mutual concerns must engage in frank, open, and honest dialogue to resolve their differences. The old adage of good fences making good neighbours might appeal to politicians south of the border, but I'm a much bigger fan of discussion, negotiation, and arriving at equitable solutions. Walls are meant to be pulled down, not put up.
9. Do you plan on changing Manitoba’s tax structure? If so how? How do anticipate the change in revenue will be used?
Our tax structure is long overdue for a thorough review. Families surviving cheque to cheque pay a higher proportion of taxes than families with a higher income. To a degree, our current tax structure recognizes this, but families with the earning potential to utilize their disposable income shelter it from taxes. Less money is there to invest in programs and services that governments are supposed to provide.
10. How do you feel about negative campaigning? Would you consider you and/or your party to be running a clean campaign? What about your opponents?
I do not like negative campaigns. I feel it distracts from the issues that are most important to the people we are trying to represent. I have publicly stated that, politics aside, the voters of the Flin Flon Constituency would have a difficult choice to make September 10th because of the quality and caliber of the individuals I am running against. The voters will have to focus on Policy, Platform, and Past Performance of all candidates to make informed decisions.
11. What policy or practice do you disagree with your party on and why? Would you consider breaking rank with the party on that issue?
In 2016, my only concern with the past Manitoba Liberal Leadership and platform was the possible privatization of Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries, and made my position on that very clear as deal-breaker that cost them my vote last election. I agree with Dougald Lamont and the new position of the Manitoba leadership regarding privatization: Not on our watch. Privatization won't happen on my watch, either, as long as Manitoba doesn't elect a government who has its eye on privatization.
12. In 30 words or less - What is your elevator pitch for undecided voters?
Voters have bought into, “Iceberg! Hard left!” and “No! Hard right!” for 50+ years. Insanity is doing the same thing the same way expecting different results. There is no iceberg.
13. What question do you wish we would have asked?
This is an old one that goes back to sitting around my grandfathers' table in Channing the mid-'70's during the completion of PR 391: What do you think about having to travel 750 kilometres to arrive at a destination about 200 kilometres away and where do you think the best route for ground transportation between Manitoba and Nunavut should be located?
