2019 Manitoba Election

Mark Wasyliw - Fort Garry

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

I am passionate about public education. Over the past three years, I have seen the impact that the Pallister Government cuts to the education system have had, and I have concerns that they are dismantling the Public Education system.  I want to represent my community and ensure we have a public education system we can be proud of.

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

I am a life-long resident of South Winnipeg. I grew up in Fort Richmond, Graduated from Fort Richmond Collegiate, completed my first degree at the University of Manitoba and when I moved back from university I settled in the Earl Grey Neighbourhood.  I have represented the north part of the riding as the local school trustee since 2011.  Having been re-elected in 2014 & 2018. I was Chair of the Board of Trustees from 2014-2016.  I have  been active in my community volunteering at my local schools and as a youth football coach with the Corydon Comets Community Club.  I created the full-day kindergarten program at the Winnipeg School Division now located at Earl Grey & Harrow Schools.  I helped create the Province’s only Spanish Language  Immersion Program at Earl Grey School.  I brought Manitoba’s first “Swim to Survive” water safety program to the WSD.

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

I am passionate about public education and seeing that we overcome the barriers many students face to successfully learning.  I am concerned about access to healthcare services in South Winnipeg.  The meth crisis has hit parts of Fort Garry very hard and I want to see a strategy in place right away.  In addition, we have housing issues in the riding especially for Seniors who are finding it less and  less affordable of a neighbourhood to live in.  I would like to see more Co-Op Housing in the riding and some geared towards seniors.  Childcare is a critical issue that we need to expand spaces and make it more affordable.  In addition, we have a large newcomer population that needs support integrating including recognising foreign credentials.  We need to support our students including international students by putting programs in place that make university access more affordable and encourages international students to reside in Manitoba after their studies.  Finally, we need to start a conversation about giving the right to vote to permanent residents.