2019 Manitoba Election

James Ducas - Waverley

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

I was generally dissatisfied with the tone and priorities of the current legislative assembly. As an environmentalist I believe that the action being proposed to address climate change by Manitoba’s other political parties is woefully inadequate. As a person who works closely with the medical profession I’ve seen the recent changes to the healthcare system stress our society while offering little benefit in return. Although my background is in psychology and medical research, I was moved into political action by the shortcomings of our current and past provincial governments.

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

My personal interests lie in the challenges inherent to creating a compassionately motivated and evidence-based healthcare system. As your MLA I would strive to address the deficiencies in the healthcare system created by prior governments. Specifically, mental healthcare and addiction services in Manitoba are very inadequate. Addressing issues of poverty, socioeconomic inequality, and the meth crisis will require a healthcare system that takes the health of the mind as seriously as the body.

Naturally, as a member of the Green Party of Manitoba, environmental issues will be a priority for me if I am elected to the legislative assembly. I intend on introducing a provincial carbon pollution fee and using the revenue this generates to fund programs that would transition Manitoba to green energy, transportation, and agricultural practices. Such programs would help us sustain our environment and provide employment for the tradespeople, researchers, engineers, and technicians who would build, improve, and maintain such systems.