Manitoba Election 2016

Mohinder Saran - The Maples

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

I’m running to continue improving immigration and support for new Canadians and to improve the lives of all seniors who spent their lives building a better Manitoba. The NDP best represents my values. Being raised in India and immigrating here to Winnipeg, I found a party that best represented me and a party I could take great pride in representing for my community of The Maples. I believe the NDP is the best party to continue to move Manitoba forward and protect our front line services of healthcare and education. I remember what life was like in the cut-heavy 1990s and this deeply hurt seniors and newcomers. This cannot happen again.

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

This community is my community. I share the values of the residents of The Maples, who want to see continued investment in the social services that help newcomers integrate in our great city and a commitment to public health care to keep families and communities strong. I was president of the Sikh Society of Manitoba and built the first Gurdwara in Manitoba. I was also the president of the India and introduced Bhangra (Punjabi dance) to Foklarama in 1975. Most recently as Minister of Housing, I have worked hard to address poverty and affordability issues in our province.
The residents of The Maples don’t want to see reckless cuts and neither do I.

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

I’d like to see more foot sidewalks to help people get more exercise and move around their community better. I would also like to further improve the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program.

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 am dedicated to improving our local health infrastructure in a way that would meet the needs of all the residents of The Maples. Some examples: seniors drop in centres, culturally appropriate personal care homes, improving Seven Oaks Hospital and building a QuickCare Clinic. It’s very important to me to provide the residents of The Maples the best access to health care that is culturally appropriate and of the best quality. I have heard over and over from my constituents that they do not want to go back to the time when nurses were fired and ERs were closed at night.

 

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

I love spending time with the diversity of families here, learning about their values, cultures and visions for making The Maples an even better place to live.

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

I will work hard to represent all my constituents.  My office has been open every day of the week, and at least 10-15 people drop in looking for assistance every day.  I serve Manitobans no matter where they reside.  I open my office on Saturdays to be accessible and on Sundays I have a lawyer come for two hours to provide free legal advice to those who may need it.