2019 Manitoba Election

Nahanni Fontaine - St. Johns

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

I ran in 2016 for public office because representation matters in our elected officials. It is critical our Legislatures across Canada look like the citizens they represent. I ran because I believe Legislatures across Canada, and more specifically, in Manitoba, must have more progressive, feminist women elected. This time around, I’m running to stand up against Brian Pallister’s health care cuts. I’m fighting to reopen the Seven Oaks ER so St. Johns families can get the emergency care they need, when they need it.

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

Before entering politics, I worked as Special Advisor on Indigenous Women’s Issues for the Indigenous Issues Committee of Cabinet of Manitoba. I’ve worked within the Indigenous political system as the Director of Justice for the Southern Chiefs Organization; as well as, for my home community of Sagkeeng First Nation as an Environmental Researcher and taught in the University of Manitoba’s Native Studies Department as an Sessional Instructor to name but a few. I have been honoured with a variety of awards including the YMCA’s Women of Distinction Award and the Governor General’s Award in Commemoration of the Persons Case. I’ve had the absolute privilege of representing St. Johns in the Legislature for the last 3 years and I want to continue being a strong voice for the community.

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

By far, the most critical issues facing/concerning the constituents of St. Johns is healthcare (the closure of the Seven Oaks ER) and climate change. It has been heartbreaking hearing St. Johns constituents’ stories of family members navigating Pallister’s chaotic healthcare changes. One St. Johns resident told me a story of his sister who, while visiting their mother in the Victoria Hospital, had a stroke. Even though his sister was in a hospital when the stroke occurred, she was sent by transportation vehicle (not an ambulance) to the Health Science Centre. When she arrived she was turned away from HSC, so then transported to St. Boniface where she later died. It’s just one of the many heartbreaking stories that Pallister’s destruction and chaos have caused for St. Johns families.

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

My 2019 campaign is dedicated to Jordan Thomas, the St. John’s High School football quarterback who was tragically murdered in December of 2017. Throughout this 2019 campaign, I remained focused on Jordan and the life he should have been afforded. My responsibility as an elected official, and someone seeking office, is to continue to make change and work on behalf of all Manitoba children and youth ensuring they live the best possible life, we, as adults, can ensure including the right to be safe. Jordan was so loved by his family and they have shown such great strength, resiliency and courage these last years and I’m so honoured to know them.