Manitoba Election 2016

Dan Soprovich - Swan River

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

I chose to run because the governance of the NDP has been poor on a number of fronts.  Climate change, if not tackled, will transformatively change not only our environment, but society and our economy.  This is particularly so in our region, where our economy is founded on agriculture, forestry and other natural resource-based enterprise.  After more than 16 years in office the NDP government will do little, and the PC party has no plan.

The NDP has cut back some of the departments, such as Conservation and Water Stewardship, where the ability to fulfill mandates are now compromised.  Some sections of government are so ineffective that it is almost to the point where they should turn out the lights and walk away.  We must rebuild capacity in a number of areas of government.  Fundamental reforms are required in those areas, such as health care, where costs are escalating to unsustainable levels.  It is also my view that evidence-based decision making and doing what is right for the citizens of Manitoba has, with this tired NDP government, been replaced by decisions that attempt to produce the greatest number of votes for the NDP thereby ensuring their ongoing power and entitlements.

 

 

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

As a Wildlife Technician and Biologist for 14 years, I worked inside government.  I understand how it works and doesn’t work.

I have been exposed to the worst of government – deceit, ugliness and power in the hands of party hacks.  I have also seen the good side of government.  For example, though my involvement as Chair of Focus on Employment, a program that makes a real difference to people.

I have been involved in government processes in Manitoba and elsewhere, so I am familiar with Manitoba processes – both positive and negative. For example, I have presented to the Manitoba Clean Environment Commission as a consultant on Manitoba Hydro development (Wuskwatim, Bipole, Keeyask).

I have been a self-employed environmental consultant for more than 20 years.  I understand what it takes to succeed in business.  I know about budgeting and cost control.

I have worked with First Nations for many years.  Since May of 2012, I have been the Treaty Land Entitlement Coordinator and Lands Manager for Wuskwi Sipihk First Nation.  I have been exposed to the challenges faced by First Nation peoples and believe that I have some sense of the path forward  for indigenous and non-indigenous.

 

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

We need to make our province a place where our young people have the opportunity to chase their dreams.  Too many of our young people must move out of province to find opportunity.  We need to make Manitoba a province that people want to move to.

There is considerable economic disparity within the electoral division.  Far too many people have to use food banks and far too many people live in poverty.  We must raise incomes to eliminate poverty.  We must do a better job of sharing the wealth within the electoral division, including by supporting our existing economy and developing the new economic opportunities that are presenting themselves in our rapidly changing world.

 

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

Environment, including climate change, is important to me.  It is well established that a healthy economy is dependent on a healthy environment.  Climate change, if not tackled, will transformatively change not only our environment, but society and our economy.  We must take care of our environment to ensure a future for our families and those still to come.

We must respect the Treaties.  The Treaties represent sacred agreements between the Crown, representing the people of Manitoba, and First Nations.  I have been exposed to the challenges faced by First Nation peoples and the injustices that continue today.  We must end government stalling on treaty land entitlements.  We must ensure that indigenous children have the same opportunity for education and success as other children.  The people of the Swan River riding and all Manitobans can only benefit when all peoples walk the path of life together.

I am a person of middle class privilege.  I was provided the opportunity to go to the University of Manitoba, and my family provided me with every opportunity to succeed.  Why should opportunity be an accident of birth?  We must provide opportunity for all children, and we must end poverty.

 

 

 

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

There is huge diversity within the electoral division.  There is ethnic and cultural diversity that I embrace.  There is, for me, interesting economic diversity – agriculture, natural resources, small manufacturing, and retail, among others.  There is considerable diversity of thinking.  There is substantive ecological diversity – I can drive out of Swan River and see mountains (Duck Mountain, Porcupine Mountain).  Diversity makes the world interesting, and I would relish representing that diversity.

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

I believe that there is a critical need, within the Legislature, for a strong voice that will speak on behalf of the environment and indigenous peoples.