Manitoba Election 2016

Bryan Van Wilgenburg - St. Vital

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

I decided to run in the 2016 Manitoba election because I feel the environment and science need a strong voice in the legislature. All too often evidence, and reason, are lost in the ideological discourse. The results are policy that is poorly substantiated, unconstitutional, fails to pass, or creates more problems than it solves. I believe that our government is only as strong as its MLAs. For this reason I believe that I have a moral obligation to offer Manitobans a choice.

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

I grew up on a dairy farm and I have nearly 10 years experience working the in the Federal Government. I’ve represented nearly 7000 federal scientists at the bargaining table, and on the executive for the Applied Science and Patent Examining Group. To finance my education I planted trees, vaccinated fish, picked blueberries, strawberries and delivered pizza (to name a few).  I’ve wilderness canoed, kayaked, hiked, skied, and biked nearly half of the National Parks in Canada. I’ve, visited 16 countries, been employed in 7 different provinces and bluff charged by a black bear…twice.

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

The number one thing that needs to be improved in both St. Vital and Winnipeg is urban density. Urban density increases the tax base for infrastructure (thus lowering property taxes). It also enables local businesses to survive and thrive. With more local businesses, it’s easier to get the essentials, and commute on foot, by bike, motorized wheelchair, or by public transit. This not only enriches the lives of seniors, the disabled, but also improves overall health, and lowers our ecological footprint. NDP road expansion projects take us in the opposite direction, and the PCs have absolutely no plan to promote urban density.

There are many other things I’d like to change about Manitoba many of which are stated clearly in our ambitious, but achievable platform available on our website: http://www.manitobaliberals.ca/.

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

The Environment is the most important issue to me. As a Meteorologist I’ve witnessed first hand the impacts of climate change on a daily basis. The time for talk is over, it’s time for action by putting a price on carbon, curtailing  the flow of phosphates into our waterways, and protecting our natural resources. Our health and economy depend on these resources, it’s time that we protect them properly.

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

The one thing I value about St. Vital is its diversity. St. Vital represents nearly every ethnicity, culture, religion, language, income group, and age. It contains both dense urban areas, and sprawling suburbs. St. Vital could be viewed as a miniature representation of Winnipeg. Diversity is important because it brings different perspectives. It is through different perspectives that we find creativity and innovation.

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

It’s been wonderful to talk to so many residents in St. Vital over the last few months. While I have knocked on more than 10 000 doors, I may have missed a few of you and for that I am truly sorry. Regardless of the outcome of the election, I am proud of the campaign I’ve run, grateful to those who have helped me, and honored by your  comments and support.