Manitoba Election 2016

Christine Melnick - Riel

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

I believe in universal healthcare and that everyone should receive it based on their need and not the size of their wallet. I also believe that children should have access to a quality education, and that post-secondary education should be accessible to all Manitobans. I owe my life to my education, which has opened many doors for me and want everyone to have the same opportunities as I had. I believe in the democratic process and the best way to keep a democracy healthy is to participate.

Being born, raised and educated in Riel, I have a strong connection to this community and know it well. It was a great place to grow up in and is a better place to live today because of the diversity in every neighborhood. Giving back is important to me and I want to continue to serve this community as an MLA and volunteer with local organizations.

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

Before being elected as an MLA I was the regional coordinator, librarian and researcher for the Canada/Manitoba Business Service Centre. I was also a School Trustee with the Louis Riel School Division.

In 2005, I began the Share the Magic book program, where I collect new and gently-used books. Working with grassroots organizations throughout the province we provide book giveaways and help set up community libraries. To date, the program has given away more than 335,000 books to children and adults alike.

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

I would very much like to strengthen the relationship between the indigenous and non–indigenous peoples of Manitoba.

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

I’ve heard from the residents of Riel that want to see continued progress in healthcare, education and child care. I will stand for maintaining these public services and preventing reckless cuts and privatization.

For healthcare we need to sustain a system that is there when people need it. We need to continue to do such things as hire more doctors, nurses and health care professionals. With the cuts proposed by the Tories and Liberals we would not be able to do this.

In terms of education, parents want their children to aspire to the highest level they desire. This requires a strong K-12 system, and accessible post-secondary institutions. We need to maintain our current level of investment and not cut back.

Affordable, not for profit child care is an essential service for many parents. Quality child care is not just babysitting, but professionally trained Early Childhood Educators working with families to help in their child’s development. We must continue to expand access to child care in Manitoba and not turn away from this.

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

I experienced a great childhood in Riel and want to give back to this wonderful community. There is an energy and passion here that I admire deeply; it has manifested in local initiatives that promote a sense of community, well-being, and inclusiveness.

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

I find my passion and strength to work hard for this community and province by thinking of my grandparents. They were active in the 1919 Winnipeg General Strike, turning their home into a makeshift hospital for injured strikers afraid of arrest if they went to the hospital care. I want to live in a society where the rights of workers, protestors, and struggling families are protected. I would be honoured to be chosen by the residents of Riel to continue this endeavour.