Manitoba Election 2016

Kyra Wilson - Fort Richmond

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

As a graduate from the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Manitoba.  I have been focusing my work on our children and their families in the Province in Manitoba.  I have worked in the area of Child and Family Services and focused on advocating for change in this system that has caused damages to our children and families.  We currently have over 11,000 children in care and this is the highest number in the country.  We have the highest number of apprehensions in the world and this has not improved in the past 16 years with the NDP government.  As a worker, I became frustrated with the system and how our families were not being supported and we needed more resources for families in Manitoba.  I decided to become a candidate to be an advocate for change in this province especially when it comes to our children.

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

As a student and an Indigenous activist, I have years of experience in volunteering, organizing and coordinating community events.  I understand the importance of including community in the discussions that affect the residents of communities.  I am dedicated to representing and supporting the people of Fort Richmond but also the people of Manitoba.  We all need to be included in the important discussions that are going to affect our children and our grandchildren.

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

I want the Child Welfare system to change. It is an immediate need that affects everyone in Manitoba.  The system has become a industry that is sustained by keeping children in care.  The long term effects are at a detriment of our future of Manitobans because we have a generation of children that are growing up this in broken system.  If we don’t do something today to address this issue then we will be dealing with these effects years ahead.  It is important that we recognize the importance of changing this system for our children and their families in Manitoba.

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

Everyone needs to be represented in Manitoba.  This would be my focus if elected; to ensure that everyone is included in the decision making that affects Manitoba.  I want to have the trust of the constituents in Fort Richmond and the trust of all Manitobans.  Trust, transparency and accountability are issues that need to be addressed and this would be my focus for Manitoba to feel that they can trust me as an MLA and I will hold myself and the government accountable for the decisions that are made everyday.

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

The diversity of people in Fort Richmond is amazing.  I have met a lot of great people at the doors and everyone has something they’re passionate about.  I have heard various issues that affect the residents of Fort Richmond and their ideas that can better Manitoba.  Every issue is as equally important as the next and  I always enjoy listening to the people of Manitoba.

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

During the 2016 Provincial Election, we have the opportunity for change.  It is extremely important that we vote for the change that is needed.  We are at a critical time right now to bring change as Manitobans.  We are seeing a shift in regards to changing government.  We are seeing great candidates in the Manitoba Liberal Party and we all have varying skills.  It isn’t about one person but it is about a team – we have a great team that will represent every riding with the respect and dignity that the people of Manitoba deserve.