2019 Manitoba Election

Greg McFarlane - McPhillips

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

I’ve seen how this government’s bad choices—to close emergency rooms and increase Hydro and autopac rates—are hurting the families in our community. But I wanted to do more than protest cuts. I wanted to help fix the damage caused to our health care system and make life more affordable for McPhillips families.

My family immigrated to Canada when I was a young child, and I grew up in the Garden City and West St. Paul area. When I left the Canadian Armed Forces I joined the trades and became a red seal electrician. In this role I became involved in my local union and with the labour movement; standing up for the working families in Manitoba. I am a husband and loving father of two young children, and am in my second term as school trustee for the Seven Oaks School Division, and now vice-chair to the board. I work hard to provide the quality education our children deserve and look forward to continuing this fight as your MLA.

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

I grew up in this community, where residents are more than friends—they’re family. I understand what our community needs to prosper. And I’m passionate about ending Pallister’s cuts and finding solutions that work for all of us—not just those at the top.

As School Trustee for Seven Oaks School Division, I have helped our local schools to become leaders in providing innovative and student-focused classrooms that ensure every child has an opportunity to be successful. As a long-time member of the labour movement, I’ve fought for everyday working families.

The NDP’s plan for McPhillips includes re-opening the ER and ICU at Seven Oaks Hospital, keeping Hydro and autopac rates low, adding child care seats, expanding the Chief Peguis Trail and putting a cap on K-3 class sizes at Seven Oaks schools. I have a vested and personal history in many of the NDP’s platform for McPhillips. I have lobbied extensively as school trustee for the Chief Peguis Trail Expansion, keeping Seven Oaks Schools a leader in education in Canada, and forming the Save the Seven Oaks ER & ICU Coalition.

 

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

The biggest issue is healthcare. Closing our 7 Oaks ER & ICU was devastating to my community. I have two young children so I know how vital having an ER close by is. The jobs lost, cut, or moved has created havoc with the frontline workers who have dedicated their lives to helping us when we are at our weakest; the countless stories I have been told by people in the community of the 7 Oaks ER saving their lives, that they would not have made it to a further ER, how the level of care and genuine caring attitude from the staff were incredible. People are feeling deserted and scared. The north is quickly expanding, and we need to have our ER open and staffed adequately with quality staff.

When Pallister decided to close the emergency room and ICU at Seven Oaks Hospital, I knew I couldn’t stay silent. I jumped into action, forming an activist group called Save the Seven Oaks ER & ICU Coalition. Immediately the community got involved. We held rallies (some with hundreds of people), circulated petitions and used local media to help bring even more of my community together in protesting these drastic cuts.

 

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

On September 10th Manitobans will have a choice. A chance to choose to put healthcare, education, and the well-being of Manitobans first. When we head to the polls let’s choose to reinvest in Manitoba; in its healthcare, education, infrastructure, and in its people! A vote for me and the NDP means a vote to reopen our ER’s, to keep our children’s education and childcare top-priority and keeping life affordable for all Manitobans.

As a father to two young children, a school trustee, and labour and community activist I am invested in keeping 7 Oaks, 7 Oaks. My past and future are entrenched in my community and I want to be your local voice for our concerns. I hope I can count on your support to creating a better Manitoba that we all deserve!