2019 Manitoba Election

Lonnie Patterson - Brandon East

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

I am running because I want to make life better for everyone in Brandon East. I am passionate about ensuring everyone has access to quality health care and education. I want to take action on the climate crisis and work hard to create good jobs in Brandon. Families are frustrated that the meth crisis is being ignored by the provincial government, whether it’s because they cannot get help for a loved one or they no longer feel safe in their neighbourhoods. I am running for MLA to bring the community together and provide leadership that the current MLA is not to find solutions. Serving as Councillor for the South Centre Ward was a great honour and I want to continue serving my community as the MLA.

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

Brandon is a growing, vibrant and culturally diverse city that I care deeply about. I know how to get things done. In addition to a term on Brandon City Council, I hold a Master’s degree in Rural Development from Brandon University and worked for the provincial government on a wide range of files, including Agriculture, Education, Family Services, Housing and Healthy Living. As a researcher, I have worked on projects related to rural economic development in Manitoba, rural broadband, and the 2018 Brandon Point-In-Time Homelessness Count. I will put that experience to work for you to tackle Brandon’s meth crisis and make smart investments in our health care and education systems to ensure a strong future for all of us.

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 top issues I hear about in Brandon: the need to take action on the methamphetamine crisis, the need for good jobs, and the need to take action on the climate crisis.

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

Regarding health care, we know rural health care is next up for Brian Pallister’s cuts – this will put great pressure on rural ERs, hospitals and clinics and will cause even more disruption to the health care system. Along with his plan to close EMS stations, Brandon’s health care services will be under even more pressure because of Pallister’s cuts. I am committed to standing up for health care in Brandon and opposing the concentrating of services in Winnipeg and the corresponding cuts in local rural communities across the province.