Manitoba Election 2016

Wab Kinew - Fort Rouge

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

As a person with progressive values focused on the environment, social justice and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, I believe the 2016 provincial election is a historic moment that will set the course for our province. I’m a big believer that we need to keep moving in the progressive direction that the NDP has charted. I decided to run because I think it’s important for people with progressive beliefs to stand up and fight for their ideals.

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

I’ve worked with different constituencies at the University of Winnipeg including students, faculty, staff and the Indigenous community to chart a way forward that respects academic freedom, student choice and society’s changing educational needs. As a result I have the necessary experience consulting and bringing people together to form consensus on challenging issues.

I have experience bringing about systems change at a University and a broadcaster (CBC), where I’ve helped enact progressive and inclusive policies. I can bring this experience to government and help ensure our delivery of services stays robust and accessible while also adapting to the needs of constituents who say we need more compassion from big systems like health and education.

In my journalism career I’ve travelled internationally interviewing heads of state and some of the poorest people in the world. The publishing industry has taken me from life on a northwestern Ontario First Nation to the high-rises on Bay Street. As a result I feel I am grounded in the realities faced by the marginalized while also familiar with the way of operating in the corridors of power. This will allow me to empathize and work for everyone in a riding as diverse as Fort Rouge.

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

I want to make sure the health care services the people in this constituency depend on stay free and accessible, and that we expand educational services to end the daycare wait list and keep post-secondary education affordable. I’m also glad that provincial money will put people to work fixing Corydon Avenue and a stretch of Pembina from Osborne to Grant under the city’s infrastructure plan for this year.

On a personal level, I would like to work to extend the oral cancer drug coverage program, which is a great achievement of the NDP, so that it includes coverage for Manitobans who are First Nations.

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 would like to advocate for all the people in Fort Rouge and the issues they have been speaking to me about: health care, education, the environment, Indigenous issues and responsible government. If I am elected to serve I hope people say I helped bring about a more compassionate and responsible approach to government.

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

I really like the diversity which to me always makes for a rich and engaged society. We have people from every walk of life in Fort Rouge, from every socio-economic standing and every age. I enjoy learning from people with such varied life experience.

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

I’d like to make a standing offer to any community, school, church or temple group in Fort Rouge to come and discuss reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and what it means to them. This is an important part of continuing my work as an honorary witness for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.