Manitoba Election 2016

Deanne Crothers - St. James

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

I am running for re-election in St. James because I still have more to do! As a parent of two young children, I know how important child care is to young working families. I want to make sure we have more child care spaces not only in St. James, but across the province. I also want to ensure that we build on our strong foundation in children and youth mental health supports by putting more resources in our schools and communities. As well, I would like to work on expanding some of the projects for seniors that are underway in our community, such as housing options and transportation. We have made a lot of positive improvements in St. James, but there is always more work to do.

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

As a mother of two young children, I know the struggles that families face in our community, because they are also the challenges my family faces. Families count on services like child care, education and health care, and I will work to ensure that we continue to invest in these important areas, rather than implement cuts like other parties are promising.

My previous experience as an adult literacy instructor working with Canadians and newcomers has been invaluable in my role as MLA. That experience in particular helped me develop an appreciation for the challenges and the triumphs of people coming from a vast variety of circumstances. Our community is incredibly diverse and brings together older Manitobans, young families, as well as families from all different cultural and ethnic backgrounds. It is important to me to make sure that people feel they belong. I believe when individuals have opportunities and support while dealing with their unique challenges, it benefits not only that person but the community as a whole.

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

I would like to help create more diverse housing options for seniors. Not all seniors want or need the same level of support. Personal Care Homes are important, and I’m delighted we are going to have a new one in St. James. I’d also like to see more choices for older Manitobans who are living independently, through seniors cooperatives and other assisted living options.

Also, further developing and expanding children and youth supports through our schools and in the community is important and I’d like to see children accessing those vital supports more quickly.

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

Seniors housing and childcare spaces tie for the top issue, followed by needed improvements to our streets. I have worked to increase affordable seniors housing through local partnership such as the Kiwanis Courts East and a new 100 bed personal care home. By creating other options, such as seniors’ cooperatives, we can meet the diverse needs of aging seniors. I will continue to support the addition of new child care spaces by supporting child care centres in our schools as well as standalone centres. Working with the City of Winnipeg, I will also continue to push for improvements to streets in St. James. The NDP has put forward the most robust and comprehensive infrastructure plan and local families will see the difference in better roads.

These areas are important to me because families in St. James have told me these are issues that matter to them and that make a difference in their lives here in our constituency. I believe in investing in the services and projects people count on, not cutting the services they need.

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

I value this constituency’s growing diversity and thoroughly appreciate the benefit that this has on our community. People who live in St. James are usually folks who are here for the long haul, and often those who grew up in this constituency come back to raise their own families. When I moved into the area, our street had very few young children. In the 10 years since, we have experienced a small baby boom that shows no sign of slowing down – not only in my neighbourhood, but in many others! With younger families, retired residents and those who are new to Canada all making their home in St. James, it all adds up to a vibrant community that continues to attract people to our affordable, safe and friendly constituency. Representing such diversity and breadth of needs continues to be endlessly rewarding!

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

I have always believed in giving people a hand up and the NDP’s policies are built on values that say we need to help everyone, and not just a select few. I choose the NDP because I believe in diversity, equality, and opportunity for all Manitobans