2019 Manitoba Election

Garrett Hawgood - Springfield - Ritchot

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

Quite honestly I decided to run because we didn’t have a green candidate in the riding.  We have to show our kids, and those out there that every vote counts, and having the ability to vote for a green candidate is something that everyone should be able to do.  I wanted to show my daughter that even one person can help give people a voice and when it comes to our planet and its people the more voices the better.

2. Why should a voter consider electing you to represent them?

I do not have any political background.  However, I will say that over the course of my life, I have watched an ongoing political cycle.  A Conservative government is elected and makes cuts. This will provide the attack ads for the next NDP, or Liberal campaign and in an election or two, the NDP win. Now they will spend like crazy because their campaign was based on opposing the Conservative cuts.  This is how it has been, and this is how it will continue to be until enough people decide to step back and try a different approach.  The Green Party is a different kind of party.  Putting things like people and the earth as a priority lays the foundation for a healthy population that will require less money for things like healthcare for chronic diseases, or money spent on people who cannot take care of themselves.   I am going to be a voice that will not fall in line with party politics, especially on big issues like the planet our children.

3. What key issue(s) / topic(s) will you stand for in your role as MLA, and why are these important to you?

I want to ensure every resident in Springfield-Ritchot has access to the best health-care, including preventative medicine.  Preventative medicine is an important area for me – I am passionate about ensuring kids in Springfield-Ritchot have access to healthy food, quality primary care and dental care.  All preventative initiatives cost money; however, I believe taxation on “junk foods” that contribute to health problems would help offset these costs.

I believe reconciliation is an important issue. I work closely with many Indigeounous organizations and I strive to understand and implement the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action.  Equitable access to education, healthcare, childcare and other services is crucial to righting the wrongs of the past.  Changes to education are overdue.  Ensuring our kids receive 21st century skills such as collaboration, critical thinking and problem solving  will prepare them for the workforce they are entering – a very different workforce than most of us entered.  We are preparing our kids to be the future innovators and entrepreneurs tasked with solving long standing problems such as poverty and climate change. They deserve an education that will prepare them for this future.

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

The Green Party is trying to remind Manitobans that sometimes the most obvious choice is right in front of you. The Greens see the value in helping our fellow residents.  Beliefs such as helping end poverty, a focus on preventative healthcare, government transparency, changes to education and finding Made-in-Manitoba solutions to the climate crisis are all amazing goals to strive for.  My generation of Green Party voters are the ones who remember playing outside and going for bike rides for hours.  The voters of today have to show the voters of tomorrow that you can make a difference to our fellow residents and to our planet.