2019 Manitoba Election

Greg Nesbitt - Riding Mountain

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

I am humbly asking for the support of the citizens of the Riding Mountain constituency for a second term as part of the Progressive Conservative Team as I know there is much more work to be done.

Our government inherited a mess after 17 years of the NDP, but we went to work immediately to improve the lives of Manitobans.

We added 150 paramedics in rural Manitoba, and will hire 80 more if re-elected. There are more nurses working in Manitoba now than at any time under the NDP, and we plan to hire 200 more.

We promised to reduce the PST to seven percent and we delivered. In fact, we delivered on 90 percent of our election promises. If re-elected we promise the average Manitoban will save $2020 in taxes over the next four years with a reduced PST, eliminating PST from home insurance, tax and will preparation and personal care services such as hair cuts and nails.

This election is about Trust and Taxes. Our PC Team will continue Fixing the Finances, Repairing the Services and Rebuilding the Economy, with lower taxes to leave more money on your kitchen table.

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

I was in the customer service business for over 40 years, operating community newspapers and being involved in the hospitality industry operating a hotel and ski resort. These experiences, I believe, prepared me to become a Member of the Legislative Assembly. I pride myself on listening to concerns, taking action where appropriate, and getting back to the people with answers to their issues with government. I believe I have an outgoing personality with the ability to use common sense to arrive at solutions to problems or issues.

Having been involved in sports in some facet my entire life, I believe in the team concept. No one person is bigger than the team, and that holds true for a government. I am a team player and work well with my fellow Progressive Conservative MLAs, and have a cordial working relationship with opposition MLAs. After all, all MLAs care about Manitoba, it’s just that we have different ideas on how to deal with issues.

Every day of my first term as an MLA has been rewarding, and I truly feel lucky to have earned the trust of the constituents of Riding Mountain.

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

There are three main issues that come up in the Riding Mountain constituency, with of course, local issues thrown in as well.

Residents want to be assured they will have stable primary health care close to home, with access to emergency rooms in key locations staffed and equipped for life threatening issues. We have reduced ambulance fees in half, and will continue to strengthen our EMS system with more 24/7 paramedics.

Our government has spent consistently each year on highways and bridges which insures Manitobans get the best value for their money and a consistent amount of upgrading each year. We have promised to add $50 million to the $350 million we already spend on highways and bridges each year if we are re-elected.

The spotty cellular service, and at times lack of, is certainly one issue that keeps coming up in conversations with residents and municipal officials. Cell phones are not just convenient – they insure the safety of citizens in life-threatening and emergency situations. Bell-MTS promised $1 billion in upgrades over five years in Manitoba when they merged. If re-elected, I will continue to lobby for improved cellular service for residents in the Riding Mountain constituency.

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

Our Progressive Conservative party received an overwhelming mandate in 2016 to clean up what can only be described as a mess.

We inherited a nearly $1 billion deficit with some of the highest taxes in Canada.

Manitoba’s deficit is now projected to be just over $300 million this year – two-thirds less than when we took office.

We have taken the advice of experts and embarked on a change in the way health care is delivered in Winnipeg, which is already paying dividends with lower wait times. New PCHs and schools are being built.

Highways and bridges are being upgraded to standards that will last for years to come – not just quick fixes.

Our tax changes are leaving more money on the kitchen tables of Manitobans, and businesses are excited about investing in a province that is continually working to improve in all categories.

We know there is much more work to do, and our PC Team is up to the challenge of continuing with the work of Moving Manitoba Forward.

I am humbly asking for the support of the constituents of Riding Mountain in my bid to be re-elected as their MLA when they cast their ballots.