Manitoba Election 2016

Elizabeth Puchailo - St. Johns

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

To support other Green Party candidates who may be running strong campaigns. When we have more candidates, it helps legitimize our party. I also firmly believe in our current platform and have voted to ratify and help shape our current platform. I enjoy being an active member of the political process.

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

To be extremely honest, this is a learning experience and as MLA, I would learn a lot about the constituents of my area and the state of our political system. Experience? Not much. Willingness to learn and to listen until I know enough to speak.

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

I would like to see a minimum income system in place. This would help to eliminate a lot of the social problems that we are not only experiencing as a province and city, but as a country and even the world. Income disparity is a big issue and it has lead to a lot of other problems in our society. There’s no reason for there to be homelessness when there is clear abundance. This issue does affect people in St. Johns. We are certainly not the wealthiest area in the city and having the income security would allow people to have more freedoms and to be able to give back to the community in different ways.

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 would like to see a minimum income system in place. This would help to eliminate a lot of the social problems that we are not only experiencing as a province and city, but as a country and even the world. Income disparity is a big issue and it has lead to a lot of other problems in our society. There’s no reason for there to be homelessness when there is clear abundance. This issue does affect people in St. Johns. We are certainly not the wealthiest area in the city and having the income security would allow people to have more freedoms and to be able to give back to the community in different ways.

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

I value my area’s diversity- young and old, multicultural and from upper-class to “I just bought my first house!”. There are many perspectives to consider from my area and it makes it an interesting task. Everyone here is also approachable and friendly, which I had not found in other areas of the city that I have resided in. I want to emulate that outwardness and be open and easy to talk with. I have been shown a lot of grace and generosity in my neighborhood and I want to make sure that I respect the constituents

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

I am essentially a paper candidate. I have done no campaigning, but if there is even a slim chance I could be the MLA for St. Johns, I would do the best job possible and the Green Party won’t stop refining our platform until we effectively deal with all of the major issues facing the people of Manitoba, Canada and the World. This is not an isolated movement in this country. It’s a global movement shifting towards sustainability, accountability and a global understanding.