Manitoba Election 2016

George Wong - Fort Whyte

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

I want to give back to the province that has provided me and my family with so many wonderful opportunities to achieve success. I remember the cuts from the days that Brian Pallister was a Minister in the Conservative government that fired nurses, laid off teachers, privatized MTS and imposed Filmon Fridays.

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

I’m a Fellow Certified Management consultant with an MBA from the Richard Ivey Business School at the University of Western Ontario. I currently work as an independent management consultant. I believe in focusing on supporting new jobs and strengthening health care and education for families.

I help people with school and workplace bullying, human rights and worker compensation issues. My commitment to volunteerism has earned me awards and recognition along with deep connections to the community. I also served on the provincial advisory committee on Immigration Policy and Planning and on many other for-profit and non-profit organization boards and committees.

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

I want to make sure that government is for working and middle class families. I will also ensure that my MLA office and myself are accessible to local families; which is not the case with our current MLA.

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 have been knocking on doors across Fort Whyte and I am hearing that families want a strong education system, and support the NDP’s plan for smaller class sizes, upgrading schools with the latest equipment, and replacing student loans with grants for post-secondary education. Residents also want seniors in their community to be supported, and are always pleased to hear about the NDP’s plan for more personal care homes beds and the seniors school tax rebate. My brother Dennis agrees. He has participated in Welcome Wagon for Fort Whyte for more than 15 years and owns two pharmacies in the community.

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

I value that Fort Whyte is one of the most culturally diverse communities in Manitoba. It’s also a fast growing community. I value the diversity of our area and will work towards sustainable growth in the future.

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

Fort Whyte is a tightly knit community and we take pride in the fact that we care for our neighbours. I will work to ensure that the services families rely on continue to be for them. Cuts to services like health care and education will only hurt families, and I will work to ensure that this does not happen.