Manitoba Election 2016

James Bloomfield - St. Norbert

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

Since I was in my teens, I’ve always been interested in politics and felt that I would like to serve the people of Manitoba at some time in my future. That time is now. I was born and raised in St. Norbert and, except for a period of five years when my wife and I worked for a non-profit organization in the U.S., I’ve made my home here. Our daughter is now in Grade 2 in a French Immersion program. I am passionate about what is critically important to families in our community: education, child care. programs and services for families, and recreation facilities.

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

My experiences are diverse, and community oriented. Early in my working life, I ran a youth drop in centre in St Norbert. Later on, I spent two years traveling around the United States, presenting anti-drug and alcohol assembly programs in schools.  I worked my way up to Director of National Operations with this organization before returning to Canada to start a family.

Upon my return, I established a music recording company and worked with many local Manitoba artists to produce a CD to raise funds for the Mennonite Central Committee and the Salvation Army. This music recording experience led to me acting as a sound engineer judge for the Juno Awards.

I am currently the owner of CostWise Business Consulting, where I work proactively to negotiate with large corporations on behalf of small and medium businesses, and help them reduce their costs without compromising their services. All of these experiences have provided me with strong business acumen combined with a deep appreciation for my local and global community.

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

Having participated last fall in the CEO Sleepout, I have a better understanding of how difficult it must be for individuals in our community who experience poverty and perhaps are homeless. So many of us take for granted our warm, comfortable homes with beds and blankets and running water. Although poverty and homelessness may not be as evident in the St. Norbert Constituency, it still exists. I am passionate about working hard and collaborating with organizations such as Siloam Mission and Winnipeg Harvest to make inroads in our communities to end the cycle of poverty and homelessness.

Many of the people I have spoken to in the area are concerned about health care.  They want to know that their loved ones will have the care they need, and that they will have the care they need, whether they have a physical or a mental ailment, and whether they are young or old.  I would like to see mental health care come under the umbrella of health care, and I would like my constituents to have peace of mind in knowing that their elderly loved ones will receive the care they need.

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 stand up for families by promoting the increase of accessible and affordable child care spaces, advocating for more and improved recreational programs and facilities, and ensuring our education infrastructure keeps pace with the 21st century.

I would stand up for business. In particular, I would promote entrepreneurship programs to encourage new and innovative businesses to establish and thrive in our community.

I would be proud to stand up for the seniors in our community. They have worked so hard to get our province and community where it is today. I want to ensure they have the programs and services needed in a timely fashion, to allow them to enjoy and remain in their own homes as long as possible. I would work toward improving the home care system and advocate for recreational facilities and programs that suit their particular needs and interests.

Finally, I would stand up for the diversity of culture and language that permeates and enriches our communities, ensuring our ethnic community has access to appropriate education and work opportunities.

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

St Norbert has a rich history, and throughout its history, this community has cultivated cooperation and diversity. Diversity of language, culture, religion, age, etc.are a welcoming community, where new immigrants and citizens can settle and easily become part of our community.

 

 

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

I grew up here; attended school here; went to Beavers, Cubs and Scouts here; played soccer and baseball here; purchased my first home here; and established my business here. I love the communities that this electoral division represents and I would be honoured to represent St. Norbert in the Manitoba Legislature.