2019 Manitoba Election

Jeff Anderson - Assiniboia

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

I was compelled to run for office by something my 15 old son said while we were watching the evening news of yet another ER closure. He turned to me and said, Dad I don’t see any future in this province for me.”

Hearing that made me realize that something must be done to improve the current state of affairs and the future outlook for all Manitobans.

For 40 years Manitoba voters have chosen the NDP or PCs to govern and yet we remain a “have not” province.

I know that Manitoba can be a “have” province.  We can “have” a better economy, we can “have” a healthcare system that meets the needs of Manitobans, and we can “have” a safer and cleaner environment.

We can do better!

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

As a long time teacher and coach I’ve seen young people strive for greatness and achieve it! In the same way, I believe we have the ability to achieve great things.

During this campaign, I’ve heard directly from people on the doorsteps about the issues that they are concerned about. They are concerned about the job prospects for their kids, they’re concerned about the state of our healthcare system, they’re concerned about the poor condition of our roads and bridges, and they’re concerned about the dramatic rise in poverty and addictions.

I know that Manitoba can be a “have” province. We can have a better economy that works for all, we can have a healthcare system that meets the needs of Manitobans, and we can have a safer and cleaner environment.

For the first time in a long time the Manitoba Liberals offer a credible and strong alternative to the tired policies of the other parties. We offer the best way forward on the vital issues we face.

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

Five years ago my family struggled to find an appropriate long term care facility for my mother who suffered with dementia. We were fortunate enough to find a place where she could live in dignity and comfort, but this experience taught me that much more must be done to close the gaps in services that still leave too many Manitobans to fall between the cracks.

The Liberal party promise to build 1200 new seniors housing units across the province in the next five years, and unlike the other parties, we’ll keep that promise. We’ll also increase the funding for homecare by 10% in the first year, as well as the funding for seniors programming. The Liberals will restore and expand the Life Saving Drug Plan eliminated by the Tories, and will work to lower drug costs for all Manitobans.

As an educator, I have worked through the cut backs from the previous PC government.  I fear that their plans for Manitoba schools will take us back decades.  The Liberals offer a education plan that will make our students more employable and adaptable in the changing world of work.  We believe investment over cut backs is the way forward.

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

I believe that many Manitobans are looking for a new way forward, and a change from the tired politics we have endured for so long.  The Manitoba Liberals propose ideas that are modern and well researched.  We have a leader in Dougald Lamont who is smart and understands the trials many Manitobans face putting a roof over their families’ heads and food on the table.  We believe that the answer to our problems will not be found by cutting social programs, health care, or education, but by investing in our economy, our youth, and our seniors, and by putting people back to work. Raising the minimum wage, promoting entrepreneurs and providing people with a living wage are all ideas whose time has come.

The Liberal Party is offering a new way forward. On September 10th, I hope we can have your support.