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?
If this is a job interview question, then I want to encourage everyone to read the full job description for a MLA (you can find it on the Manitoba Government website). Having read the job description, I feel that I am uniquely qualified to represent this riding. I have a track record of community involvement, of being engaged, of problem solving and of actively bridging the cultures of this constituency.
2. What is your plan for the future of Flin Flon’s economy? What role will industry/mining play in that plan?
The City of Flin Flon has long contributed to the economy of this province. I believe that the City of Flin Flon can and will capitalize on its pool of experience in the mining industry. This community can transform to a regional centre for future mining, focusing on increasing automation in the industry and mining development in other communities throughout the north.
3. What measures to benefit northern Manitoba and Flin Flon would you add to a provincial budget?
Measures to continued and ongoing support for the ongoing development and implementation of the Look North strategy and its mandate. Measures to continue support for the newly released mineral development protocol including the implementation of a faster permitting process and longer permitting periods for mineral exploration. Ongoing support and assistance for the arts in all communities. Supports for families and family programs.
4. Where do you believe infrastructure spending in Flin Flon should be focused? Should it be increased? Where will the funds come from?
Infrastructure spending in the City of Flin Flon falls under the purview of Mayor and Council. These decisions are best left to them. Like many others, I have personal opinions on how and where infrastructure dollars should be spent. Examples would include on UCN dorms, on short-term and emergency housing for young men and on long-term housing for our elders. The Manitoba government has recently boosted municipal infrastructure funding.
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?
I have always appreciated our health care services and providers. I strongly encourage everyone in the north to actively engage with the CEO and the Chair of the Health Region. They have a huge task in administering our region and they need our help. We are all working toward a common goal, a common purpose – the betterment of lives. I will actively represent our ridings’ interest at the provincial level.
6. How do you plan to improve education in small, northern school divisions?
I know first-hand the pressures that small, northern school divisions face. I have raised two children in just such a division. I have worked and volunteered in the schools in Flin Flon. I have confidence in our system of elected school board trustees. If school board trustees or management ask for my help, I will work tirelessly to achieve results for them, I will be solution minded in all things.
7. What are your main concerns regarding environmental conservation? Do you support taxation on carbon emissions?
I believe we must practice environmentally responsible development. Leaders like Deb Odegaard should be commended for their role in educating us. I believe that the province and Hudbay should be commended for their work on the Reed Lake site. I believe that clean air, clean water and a healthy planet cannot be taken for granted, they must be paid for. I believe we should be good stewards of our resources.
8. How do you plan to work with the Saskatchewan government to help solve inter-provincial issues with Flin Flon and neighbouring communities?
Our rivers don’t stop at the border, yet we have negotiated hydro-electric power agreements. Our minerals don’t stop at the border, yet the Flin Flon mineral agreement provides seamless regulatory coverage. Our health care catchment doesn’t stop at the border, yet we have relatively seamless health care coverage for residents of both provinces. When issues come up, I will work hard to help solve them – through communication and cooperation.
9. Do you plan on changing Manitoba’s tax structure? If so how? How do anticipate the change in revenue will be used?
The PC Party has had success in reducing the provincial deficit, while restoring the rainy day fund, restoring the mining reserve fund, and increasing overall healthcare funding levels, all while new schools are going to be built, increased infrastructure funding has been made available, and supports to a myriad of social services have been increased. At the same time I am open to hearing new ideas and suggestions from constituents.
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 am a positive person. I am not a fan of negative campaigning. My campaign has been focused on reaching out and listening. I have great respect for anyone that enters public office and for anyone that runs for public office. There is room in public life for legitimate differences of opinion arising from a set of facts. Our differences and diversity give us strength and should be embraced, not torn down.
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?
There can seldom be consensus on all topics or on all issues. Sometimes in life reasonable compromises are made for the greater good. Sometimes in life principled stands are taken at great personal cost. I would ask voters to trust me to make these decisions on a case by case basis. If you don’t know me that well, I invite you to seek me out and get to know me.
12. In 30 words or less - What is your elevator pitch for undecided voters?
I’m not in the communities because I am running. I’m running because I’m in the communities. I have worked at a grassroots level and have a perspective that will enrich our communities.
13. What question do you wish we would have asked?
How has your previous experience prepared you for public life?
