Manitoba Election 2016

Jon Gerrard - River Heights

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

I have served as the MLA for River Heights since 1999 and I am running again because I enjoy working for the people of River Heights and I believe there is still a great deal of work to do to improve our province – in particular to provide better fiscal management to provide attention to critical social issues like prioritizing a dedicated stroke unit for Manitoba, improving access to mental health services and improving our stewardship of our environment.

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

I have a B.A. in Economics from the University of Saskatchewan, a degree in Medicine from McGill University and took further training and research in pediatrics at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. From 1980 to 1993, I was on the staff of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Manitoba looking after children with blood disorders and with cancer, and involved with research and teaching initially as an Assistant Professor, eventually becoming a full Professor in 1987.

In 1993, I was elected the Member of Parliament for Portage-Interlake and served as the Minister responsible for Science, Research and Development (1993-1997) and Western Economic Diversification (1996-1997) in the cabinet of Jean Chretien. From 1998-2013, I was the Leader of the Manitoba Liberal Party, and have served as the Member of the Legislature for River Heights from 1999 to the present.  I have broad experience in working with a wide variety of issues from around Manitoba.  As MLA, I have helped many constituents and been a strong advocate for health, environmental issues and improved child welfare, as well as serving to hold the government accountable and to push for improved fiscal management.

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

River Heights – Yes, see question 5.

Manitoba  – Yes, I want to change the following:

– improved financial management – better transparency and accountability.

– high quality public health care system – shorter emergency room wait times, a dedicated stroke unit, improved mental health services and better prevention of diseases like diabetes.

– quick access to critical services for children – better access to help for children with learning and behavioural problems and to child care and early childhood education.  These are important to help children and to reducing juvenile delinquency and crime.

– environmental sustainability – on Lake Winnipeg, on climate change and sustainable fisheries

– increased jobs – infrastructure investments, investment in science and research to develop better products and services for the future, and a decrease in the payroll tax to help companies keep jobs in Manitoba.

– changing CFS to better support of children and families, as in Nelson House where they are dramatically reducing the number of children in CFS.

– improving water management – storing water on the land, ruducing floods and the impact of climate change.

– reducing violence by including education related to understanding and decreasing family violence in schools.

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

As a pediatrician, I believe the health and well being of our children is one of the most important areas of concern.   For example, I introduced legislation in 2008 to require all children in Manitoba to be screened at birth for hearing problems.  After many years this legislation has been passed and will come into full effect throughout Manitoba in September 2016.   It will enable many children to grow up and achieve their potential.   Similarly our Liberal Party is committed to ensuring children with autism have access to ABA therapy, and to covering psychological services under Medicare so that children with behavioural and learning difficulties can get the assessment and help they need quickly.  We are also committed to expanding access to child care and early childhood education so that the programs will be more accessible for children and families.

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

In representing River Heights, I work hard to help people with their concerns, issues and questions. I also work hard to help us continue to have a great community to live, work and play.   I believe in strong support for our Corydon Community Centre and its three sites – Crescentwood, River Heights and Sir John Franklin.   I am a strong supporter of the work underway to achieve a twin arena project at the Charles Barbour Arena site, as part of an expanded Community Centre.  This project will ensure we have adequate ice time for hockey, ringette and other sports for children and adults.   I am also a strong supporter of our schools – including the new Queenston Gym and the coming Kelvin High School Gym.  Each year I provide Community Citizenship Awards to outstanding students recognizing their contribution to our community.  I am known for my support for people in River Heights and hope to continue to build on my efforts to support us having the best possible community in the years ahead.  One of the issues I will focus on immediately, if I am re-elected is the recent increase of vandalism, property damage and theft in our community.

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

River Height deserves the best possible representation in the Legislature and my knowledge and experience in working with members of all parties to achieve results will be invaluable. It is important to have a strong voice in the Legislature to hold the government accountable and transparent. I have always brought forward important issues and vital Bills to the Legislature and look forward to continuing to do so.