2019 Manitoba Election

Jon Gerrard - River Heights

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

I made a commitment during the Manitoba Liberal leadership election in 2017 that I would run in the current election in River Heights whether I won or lost the leadership.  I felt it was very important, if I was not the leader, to support the new leader in building our Manitoba Liberal Party and in helping to build an improved province for all Manitobans.   I also feel I have the ability to continue to contribute to the well-being of people in River Heights as well as to the people of all Manitoba.

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

I have represented River Heights in the Manitoba Legislature since 1999.   During this time I have gained a lot of experience in the Manitoba Legislature and in representing people in River Heights.   I have seen, during the last three and a half years, in working with my colleagues Dougald Lamont, our leader, Cindy Lamoureux (MLA – Burrows, who is now running in Tyndall Park) and Judy Klassen (MLA -Kewatinook) the value of me sharing my experience and mentoring others so that we can work really well as a Manitoba Liberal team.  With Dougald Lamont as our leader we have done well in continuing to build the Manitoba Liberal Party and in providing a strong vision for the future of Manitoba and a strong platform to achieve that vision.

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

Health care is central to this election.  As a pediatrician, I have an in-depth knowledge of health care.   As an MLA in Manitoba I have continued to learn about the operation of our current health care system and to learn about options which are being chosen in other jurisdictions which we can use in Manitoba to improve health care.

I also have a strong interest in our environment. Manitoba Liberals have put forward very strong platforms to address Lake Winnipeg and to address climate change.  See the following links:

Lake Winnipeg –  https://jongerrardsreport.blogspot.com/2019/08/manitoba-liberals-put-priority-on.html

Climate Change – https://www.mbliberalcaucus.ca/wcm-docs/banners/Updated_-_May_23_Manitoba_Liberal_Plan_for_Green_Growth___Renewal-compressed_20190523155833.pdf

Further, I have a passion for education.   Naomi and I have three children and they have benefited from Manitoba’s public education system.   We see the importance of education for all, and for additional help for children with learning and behavioural issues.   I have taught at the University of Manitoba and understand the importance of post-secondary education whether in a college or a university.

Lastly, my first degree, before medical school, was in economics.  I want to make sure we have an economically strong and sustainable future for Manitoba as well as one that has Manitoba as a leader on social and environmental issues.

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

I have had the opportunity to help many people with their individual issues during my time as a physician and while in politics.  It is a joy to be able to see the positive results when people get the help they need to succeed.   I look forward, if I am re-elected, to continuing to work for Manitobans all over our province and in particular for people living in River Heights.