Manitoba Election 2016

Kevin Nichols - Charleswood

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

I decided to run in this election because I really feel the area needs representation from a different perspective, from a people perspective.  Like all the other parties have said, we do need change.  I really want to bring the change that is desperately needed, to this area, to this Province.  Being Green allows me to truly represent my constituents since I dont necessarily have to vote the Party line.

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

I have worked in the government for almost 30 years, I have seen the inner workings, where the work gets done, where money is needed.  I want to help get that money allocated to the most needed areas.  I also bring a certain determination with me.  If it’s broken, let’s fix it.  I see the government as broken and I want to fix it.

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

I would like to see actual change.  People keep saying they want change but vote for the same thing we had.  In this province we need someone, a party, which cares about the people and the environment, without those we have nothing. In our electoral division, green space is disappearing; the character of the neighbourhood is changing.  We really need to ensure the character doesn’t change. We need to maintain our green space and work with nature, not against it.  This is what makes Charleswood unique, the fact that we have country living in the city.  If you remove that, we are no longer unique.

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

Kids are the future, seniors are a view of our past and we are treating them all terribly.  In general I would like to stand for the people; that’s what is important.  Many would argue and say we need business, we need development, but when you take away the people, you have nothing.  We need to treat our seniors better, lower taxes, age in place programs, better health care and home care.  As for kids, we need to make sure no kid goes to school hungry, the Guaranteed Annual Income will help with that.  This will provide the needed funds for parents to buy healthy food, or just buy food so that a reliance on food banks decreases.  With this program, the Green Party can reduce poverty by 45%.  No other party has ever done that.  You may not think of Charleswood as having people that would need food banks, but there is an increasing amount that requires the services of a food bank.

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

I have volunteered with various organizations and clubs in the area, and what really keeps me going is the people.  People appreciate the volunteer work that goes on, and there are always people ready to help out.  It’s said it takes a village to raise a child, I don’t believe there is any better village to raise a child than in Charleswood.  I do value the people in the area.

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

I would like to thank all those that have supported me in the past elections and hope to Grow the Green and get a win, not for me, not for The Green party, but for Charleswood and Manitoba.  Everyone can make a difference, it only takes one person to take a stand, go against the norm and make a difference.

Terry Fox made a difference and he was one person, yet the impact he has had on all of Canada is immeasurable.  Elizabeth May is one person among many making a difference for all of Canada. I believe it is time for a change, time for one person to take a stand and truly make a difference for Manitoba.  It can be done and I would like the chance to prove that it is possible, it can be done.  “Those that say something is impossible are standing in the way of those doing it”