Manitoba Election 2016

Linda Ross - Brandon West

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

I have worked behind the scenes politically since I was a teenager.  At the urging of several people I decided to stand as the NDP candidate in Brandon West in this election.  This is an extremely important election with the futures of Manitobans at stake.  The NDP has made huge investments for Manitobans in housing, education, health care, flood protection, and poverty reduction to name a few.  A lot is at stake should the Conservatives be elected.  They are more business focused than community focused. Their policies advantage those who are already advantaged.

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

I have lived in Brandon for almost three decades.  Brandon is my home. I have raised my children here, and I am very invested in serving this community. I have served as an elected School Trustee for the Brandon School Division for 22 years.  In that capacity I have become very familiar with the issues that are of major concern to Brandon.  I am very familiar with the processes of public consultation, setting budgets, and budget decision-making.  Some my experience in senior administrative positions, like as Dean of Health Studies at Brandon University and as Director of the Midwifery Program at University College of the North, have also provided me with experience that will be useful to the role of MLA.

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

My focus is on optimal quality of life for all Manitobans, including of course those in Brandon West.  My priorities are health care, education, and infrastructure (including adequate housing).  Under the NDP, wait times for health care have been reduced

and accessibility services have improved, although there is still work to do.  Exciting things are happening a tour post-secondary institutions, like the North Hill campus for Assiniboine Community College, and the Healthy Living Centre and new student housing at Brandon University.  And important investments in the Keystone Centre will help it remain an important economic stimulus in the Westman region.

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

We need to ensure that all Manitobans have a liveable wage, adequate housing, good education, and are able to meet their health needs.

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

• The community of Brandon is a very caring one.  It is an excellent place to raise a family, with good schools and recreational facilities.  Brandon has many of the positive attributes of a small town – knowing your neighbours, watching out for one another – while having the amenities of a larger centre.  Brandon has the best of both worlds.

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

I am a mother, a university professor, a long-serving school trustee, and an enthusiastic promoter of Brandon. Recognition of how important education is to preparing young people for good jobs first led me to stand for election in 1993 as a school trustee for the Brandon School Division. I’ve fought for equitable distribution of resources across schools that have made life better for working and middle-class families.  I am committed to improving my community, and have volunteered with the Navy League of Canada and served on the Board of Directors for many community organizations, including Victor House, Brandon Community Options, and the Brandon Youth Soccer Association. I am proud to call Brandon West home.