Manitoba Election 2016

Ron Kostyshyn - Swan River

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

My first term in office as the MLA for Swan River and Minister has inspired me to run again in 2016. I’m proud of the work we have done building opportunities for Manitobans with a growing population and economy. I see agriculture and food as
being another opportunity to grow prosperous communities with added value food products taking us to the next step. I have seen what a regime of cuts can do to rural Manitoba, and I am committed to keep fighting against this backward thinking.

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

I have operated a 250-head cow and calf family farm near Ethelbert for almost 30 years. I was first elected MLA for Swan River in 2011 and now serve as Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development. In this role, I have been working to expand opportunities for Manitoba producers and processors to compete in the global market.
Locally I worked 20 years at the municipal level of government as an elected official. Here in Swan River, some of my proudest achievements are bringing better access to health care to communities like Easterville and Grand Rapids, as well as
delivering the new Swan Valley Primary Care Centre.

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

I would like to improve cell phone coverage in rural areas, thus adding one more modern convenience to rural communities that would make us more productive and ad a convenience that professionals – like doctors want before they commit to relocating to serve our residents. That’s why I’m proud to be a part of a party that has committed to a $5-million fund to partner with industry to expand cell phone and broadband Internet coverage in rural and Northern Manitoba.
Also the fishing industry is important to this constituency and we need to enhance supports. That’s why I’m proud to be running for a party that has committed to working with the Fresh Water Fish Marketing Corporation to launch pilot projects to
find new markets for rough fish, and continuing to keep this corporation public so that fishers from all over Manitoba can get a fair price for their catch. Brian Pallister and his Conservatives shut down the Canadian Wheat Board against the democratic
will of farmers, and would do the same with the Fresh Water Fish Marketing Corporation. I have and will continue to work with both farmers and fishermen 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?

As a cattle farmer, Agriculture will always be important to me and my community, but also fighting to improve employment and education opportunities for rural communities is paramount.

The NDP’s commitment to build a new, stand-alone
construction shops building at Swan Valley Regional Secondary School will give students a head start in carpentry, electrical and plumbing while they’re still in high school.

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

Swan River is a rich, diverse community of people who care for, and look after one another. We are connected to the land and water and are committed to making sure these resources will be there for future generations. I am proud to be a resident and
representative of Swan River.

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

I will fight hard against cuts and will continue building our infrastructure and ensure a robust local economy. I will work to improve the standard of living for all families, so that we can attract the professionals we need to look after our parents and train our young people for the jobs of the future.

I also want to continue to lobby the federal government for continued rail service moving grain and other commodities
across the province and to the Port of Churchill.