2019 Manitoba Election

Karen Myshkowsky - Southdale

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

As an educator and an autism parent, I understand first-hand the supports needed for parents and students in public schools and in our health care system. I know that community supports are vital to helping students succeed as they prepare for life beyond secondary school. I work alongside mental health professionals and social workers and maintains close connections with community supports. Throughout the last 3 years of the Pallister government, we have seen the cuts in healthcare and education drastically affect my students and my own family. This was a determining factor in my decision to run. We need a strong community advocate to ensure we keep frontline services where they are needed the most.

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

As a community member of Southdale – my children have and do attend school in Windsor Park, our family are Southdale Community Center members, my boy’s hockey teams use the ice at Winakwa all winter, I have a vested interest in making sure that our community thrives and has a strong local voice to represent the constituency. We have a diverse community made up of many newcomers, young families and seniors who are aging in place. It’s essential that services are available across the spectrum for all constituents.

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

Foremost in people’s minds is Pallister’s cuts to healthcare – losing access to both the Vic and Concordia emergency care have caused a lot of stress and concern. Seniors have lost community health services such as physiotherapy and home care as the Pallister government works towards privatizing these services. As we work to restore these front-line services, the NDP will cancel Pallister’s plans to privatize home care, allowing people to stay healthy, at home, longer.

Rent has climbed 7.4% in the last 3 years, making life even more unaffordable for many in our community. Rent Assist has been cut, with some seeing a cut of $1000 per year. The NDP will reverse the cuts and will also improve opportunities for first-time home buyers to get themselves out of the rental market and into their own home.

Childcare is another concern I hear, with some families waiting 3-5 years for one space. We will work to reduce the wait list and create new public child care spaces. The NDP will move responsibility for child care to the Department of Education; as an educator I feel passionate about this step in recognizing the importance of child care in social and personal development.

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

I welcome the opportunity to represent the riding of Southdale as a local candidate – I have said many times on the doorstep, I drive the same roads as all of my neighbours, I curse the same potholes on a daily basis – let’s work together to advocate for Southdale!