Manitoba Election 2016

Kevin Chief - Point Douglas

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

Throughout my life, many people in our community have worked to show me anything is possible. Their generosity is rooted in a tradition of overcoming challenges and helping others do the same. I want to try and provide the same supports and opportunities for others that were provided to me when I was growing up.

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

Before entering politics, I spent a decade creating opportunities for young people as the Coordinator of the Innovative Learning Centre at the University of Winnipeg and Director of the Winnipeg Aboriginal Sport Achievement Centre.

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

We know that resources work best when a community is engaged.  People who struggle the most need to know where to get access and assistance from programs and services.  We need to continue finding ways to create structures that remove barriers and allow people to participate.  We need everyone in our neighbourhood to be involved for us to be successful. 

We found that it is easy to tell stories of hardship.  Though it may be more difficult, it is important that we share and celebrate our stories of success.  If we are going to ask people to overcome challenges, we can’t just tell them it is possible – we have to show them people who have succeeded.

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

Every family should have a safe and stable place to live. As we turn the Merchants hotel into a welcoming place, we work together to provide our neighbourhood with housing and education opportunities. When we increased Rent Assist so families could have extra supports as their parents trained to find good jobs – we showed our commitment to providing employment opportunities. When we built a new outdoor basketball court at Norquay Community Centre, we understood that young people needed opportunities to find belonging.

In Point Douglas, we work together to support our neighbours and build understanding – understanding that leads to the cooperation that has strengthened our neighbourhood for generations.

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

Point Douglas is a community where people are so proud of who they are, so proud of where they come from, and so willing to give back. I want to continue to work together with my neighbours to build a stronger Point Douglas with a bright future.

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

It would be an honour to be re-elected to represent an area that has given me so much.

I would like to thank people for their support and encouragement and promise to work as hard as I can to continue to earn their trust. I believe that when people take the time to go out and vote, they believe their voice contributes to a better community, a stronger community and one that maximizes its potential.