Manitoba Election 2016

Erna Braun - Rossmere

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

As a teacher, I believe that the principles we are teaching in our classrooms, like equality, equity and fairness, need to be qualities that we see in our government. Standing up for these principles and supporting services such as healthcare, education, and child care are my primary reasons for running for re-election.

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

Being a lifelong resident and the MLA for the past eight years in Rossmere, I have the experience and commitment to continue to make our community stronger. I have many strong relationships with community members and local activists. As a teacher, I have strong leadership skills, work hard, and make decisions with the best interest of the future generations of Manitobans in mind. I have the dedication to advance important projects for Rossmere like the new Concordia Wellness Centre, new Quick Care clinics for North East Winnipeg and more child care including an expansion of the daycare centre at John de Graff school.

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

I would like to see continued investment in front-line services such as health and home care. These are services that people count on. In Rossmere, with our high population of seniors, protecting and strengthening home care is a high priority to ensure that our community continues to thrive. That’s why I’m proud to run for the NDP, a party that has committed to keep home care public and create more than 1,000 new personal care home beds for seniors.

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

Rossmere is home to the second highest population of seniors in Winnipeg. We need to make sure that the people who built this great province are well cared for. Increasing personal care home beds, protecting and strengthening home care and pharmacare, and ensuring life is affordable for seniors are my top priorities for Rossmere. We also have a growing number of young families and newcomers making their home here, so the NDP will continue to invest in infrastructure, grow the economy and ensure we have jobs for young Manitobans.  The reckless cuts planned by Brian Pallister and his Conservatives will see the erosion of the programs and services the residents of Rossmere depend on.

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

In the two terms that I’ve been privileged to represent Rossmere, I’ve watched it grow and change dramatically. I appreciate how our neighbourhood has kept a residential feeling with all the new growth and infrastructure. The senior population here is active and engaged while our new developments are now hosting new immigrants to Manitoba. I see this as great start to a strong future for the city’s north-east corner. 

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

During my time in office I have made it a priority to help create safe, fun places for families. Recently, I had the pleasure to work with schools and community groups to enhance some of our recreational areas like Inderjit Claire Park, Sunrise park, and playground improvements at Princess Margaret and John de Graff Schools. I’m also looking forward to increased accessibility within our community with the completion of the North East Pioneers Greenway.