Manitoba Election 2016

Dashi Zargani - Southdale

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

I left my home in Iraq because of the lack of political freedom.  Since coming to Canada and settling in Winnipeg, I am grateful for the freedom and opportunity here.  I truly understand what a privilege our democracy is and want to give something back to the province that has been so good to me and my family.

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

I bring my experience as an immigrant, as a business owner and as a husband and father of three. To truly represent people you need to understand and share their experience. Each of these three areas of experience give me much in common with a wide cross-section of the constituents of Southdale, and will help me to better represent their needs and concerns in the Manitoba Legislature.

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

I believe our province has been on a steady course of growth and improvement that I would like to be a part of moving forward.  Across the province we have made great strides in creating good jobs, improving training opportunities for young people, and providing the health care that families rely on.  While much has been achieved, there is still much to do, and I look forward to being a part of those achievements. In Southdale, I would like to continue increasing the number of childcare spaces available, and to continue improving services for seniors that will help older adults to stay healthy and in their homes longer.

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

Improving services for families, whether in the areas of education, childcare, health care or services for seniors.  These things are important to me because I understand their impact on my own family, and I want all Manitobans to have the same great opportunities that will help their families thrive. I worry when I hear other parties talk about cuts to the core services families count on. I am committed to standing up for families and the services they need.

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

Southdale is growing and attracting many young families. Being a father of three myself, I feel I understand and value the needs of Southdale’s constituents in a way that will allow me to help them work towards getting the services and facilities they need.

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

The most important thing an MLA does is represent the needs and concerns of their constituents at the provincial level.  If elected I promise to be available to my constituents, and to keep the lines of communication open so that they know their voices are heard and that their concerns are my concerns.