Manitoba Election 2016

Greg Dewar - Selkirk

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

I was born in Selkirk, raised in Cloverdale, and come from a farming family with deep roots in the area. My grandfather was a mayor of Selkirk and I am proud to take part in that tradition of serving my community. I was eager to run in this important election because Manitobans are faced with a choice between the steady progress we have shown through difficult economic times, and the risky cuts and privatization that Brian Pallister is offering. I’ve heard a lot of concerns from my constituents about the dangers of a PC government and recognized that it was important for me to continue working hard on behalf for the people of Selkirk, who deserve a government and an MLA who are committed to supporting and building the community.

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

I was born and raised in the community and have always called it home. Before entering politics I was educated and worked here as a steelworker, business owner, and on the family farm. I’ve done local volunteer and community work for many years, including as an organizer for Big Brothers and Big Sisters, treasurer of the Selkirk and District Environmental Organization, founding director of the Maurepas Village Housing Co-operative, and vice-chair of the Selkirk Restitution and Reconciliation Committee. And of course as an MLA I have gained invaluable experience on how to get important results for my constituents. I look forward to continuing that work.

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

One particular issue of immediate importance is working together with our municipal partners in Selkirk and Winnipeg to find a solution to the service that will be lost when the Beaver Bus stops running.

More generally, we have made great investments in Selkirk, including building and expanding schools and health care services. We need to keep improving both to provide the best possible opportunities for our kids, and to provide the best possible care for our ageing loved ones.

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

Jobs and investing in infrastructure, including highways 9 and 59 and Main Street in Selkirk, so we can grow the economy and create good jobs that better our communities.

Keeping life affordable with tax breaks for working and middle class families and seniors.

Investing in quality health care, including completing our new hospital, with its MRI facilities, and preserving our Quick Care Clinic, which takes the strain off our emergency room.

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

Selkirk and St. Clements are a great part of Manitoba. We have seen positive growth and had great success with our communities working together. There is a lot of history in this riding, a great sense of community, and we work hard to make lives better for ourselves and one another. To me this is the most important part of the job: finding solutions to problems and ways to build on our strengths by working together in partnership.

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

It has been an honour to represent the great people of the Tri-S region and I hope I will have that honour once again on April 19.