Manitoba Election 2016

Kerri Irvin-Ross - Fort Richmond

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

Manitoba is a great province, and its only getting better. We’ve got one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country, one of the fastest growing economies, and we’re making steady progress in healthcare and education. But we’re not finished, I am not finished.  There is more work to be done, and a Pallister government would undo everything we have worked so hard for.  I am too worried about the possibility of a half billion in cuts to core services to sit idly by.

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

I have been a social worker, a psychiatric nurse, and a mom, all experiences which have taught me the importance of listening and empathizing. An empathetic ear goes a long way in public service, and I’m proud to be a part of a party which shares the same values as Manitobans. 

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

As Minister of Family Services I’ve been committed to bringing in transformative change to Manitoba’s child welfare system. We are creating targeted solutions to the systemic issues in CFS. If re-elected the Customary Care Act would allow Indigenous communities to provide traditional care for their children with flexible financial supports. This means more children staying in the communities they grew up in, remaining connected to their land, culture and traditions. 

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 know how much the families of Fort Richmond rely on Manitoba’s core front line services. As an MLA I want to continue to stand up for the priorities of these working and middle-class families. We need to protect these services by making the smart, strategic investments that strengthen our economy. 

Our investments in healthcare will let Fort Richmond families get access to services easier and faster. A re-elected NDP government would double the number of QuickCare clinics in Manitoba. These clinics are staffed by Nurse Practitioners and Registered Nurses who can take care of non-emergency health concerns. They are a fantastic alternative to hospital emergency rooms, reducing wait times and giving you faster, more convenient care. I am excited that we will be building QuickCare clinic for our community. 

We know that an investment in our schools is an investment in the future. Funding for our schools, colleges and universities is one my top priorities, and I’m proud of what we’ve invested in Fort Richmond.  

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

We have such a rich cultural diversity in Fort Richmond, and one of my favourite parts of being the MLA for our community has been meeting people from all over the world, who live right here. When I visit our community centres, schools and faith centres I’m struck by the vibrant sound of hundreds of different languages and unique cultural practices. 

The inclusive, progressive sensibilities of Fort Richmond families don’t match with Pallister’s extreme conservative social values. He has opposed equal marriage and dismissed our ground breaking legislation on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and our anti-bullying laws. 

People from all around the world, of all ages, call Fort Richmond home. As an MLA I work hard to make our community a place that is welcoming and provides opportunities for all, because everyone matters. 

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

Pallister’s deep cuts, extreme positions and weak policies for infrastructure and jobs pose a serious danger to Manitoban families. Our NDP has stood beside Manitobans through two major floods, and an economic recession. We’re making positive steady progress and we’ve accomplished too much to turn back now.