Manitoba Election 2016

Loren Braul - Emerson

1. Why did you decide to run in the 2016 Manitoba election?

I got involved in this election because I was not satisfied with the prospect of having only one name on the ballot. I know that people hold wide ranging political views and I want to make sure they have a meaningful choice on April 19. They deserve more than a name on paper alone and so I am committed to running an active campaign.

People throughout the riding have shown appreciation for actually having a candidate come to their door and listen to their concerns and they have encouraged me to continue this active campaign day after day. Casting a ballot is about voting for a representative in the Legislature and, in my view, in order to represent people with integrity you have to take the time to meet with people and learn about their concerns.

2. What experience will you bring to complement your role as MLA?

My education began with a Bachelor of Theology and a Bachelor of Peace and Conflict Transformation, both from Canadian Mennonite University. These degrees continue to inform my understanding of conflict and my approach to problem solving in my present work as a lawyer.

I sat on the Board of Governors at Canadian Mennonite University for two years and chaired the University of Manitoba Student’s Union Council while in law school. I have also volunteered with various community organisations, often with a focus on governance and organisation management. I enjoy developing decision making models that make sense in particular circumstances so that they can be respected and relied upon. The legislature has a well developed decision making model and I look forward to ensuring the model is working for Manitobans.

3. Is there anything in particular you would like to change in our province? In your electoral division?

People tell me they are tired of 40 years of conservative representation. However, there are large groups of people and entire communities who do not identify with that party and these people may disengage from the electoral process if the outcome seems inevitable. This has contributed to a voter turnout of 44%, which is among the lowest in the province.  We need an electoral system that ensures every vote counts and every voice is heard. Adopting a model of proportional representation will directly impact voter turnout, which will improve investment and engagement in the democratic process.

 

4. What key issue(s) / topic(s) would like to stand for in your role as MLA, and why is it important to you?

Municipalities also need predictable and reliable sources of revenue that do not rely entirely on property taxes. The Association of Manitoba Municipalities has been asking for a 1% Municipal Sales Tax for years to provide a new sources of revenue. Instead of adopting a new tax, the Manitoba Liberal Party is committed to distributing 1 of the 8% of the PST to municipalities on a per capita basis to support investment in local infrastructure.

Cutting the PST on principle doesn’t save rural Manitobans any money because we still need lagoons, water and sewer infrastructure, and the ongoing cost of maintaining municipal roads. We can pay for these items with increases to our property taxes or with a tax we are already paying.

The Manitoba Liberal Party is not going to play games with your tax dollars and instead will put more tax dollars in the hands of the municipality to make investments in our local communities. These investments are vital to the ensuring our communities continue to be vibrant places for people to live, work, and raise families.

5. What is one thing in particular that you value about the electoral division that you wish to represent?

My wife grew up in Altona, which had a significant impact on our decision to move back to that area. We have the benefit of a wide network of family and friends that makes that area a very comfortable place to live and work. However, it is the diversity of the riding is what makes me excited to represent the area. Ukranians, Fancophones, Germans, and Mennonites each have unique stories about how they came to this region and, of course, the First Nations have rich traditions and a long history in the area. Sharing our stories promotes respect and appreciation and these are values I would promote in Emerson.

 

6. Do you have any other comments regarding your candidacy?

After going door-to-door in numerous communities, it is clear that people are tired of 17 years of NDP government. However, people also tell me they are tired of 40 years of conservative representation. There is a perennial threat that extended periods of representation or governing can lead to complacency and a sense of entitlement. I am running an active campaign because I believe no party is entitled to take any votes for granted. Votes must be earned and that happens by meeting people in their communities. I know I won’t be able to meet everyone, but those I have appreciate my efforts and continually encourage me to keep running. Almost every conversation I have ends with a handshake and a smile because we know that before, during, and after a campaign, we are still neighbours.