2019 Manitoba Election

Nancy Cooke - Fort Garry

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

I believe in the potential of Manitoba to be a place where people from all over the world will choose to live, work and raise their families.

As a woman, I believe it’s important to have balanced representation in the Manitoba Legislature that is closer to the reality that women represent 50% of the population.

I am also proud to be a member a diverse team of candidates including 22 women.  The PC team has shown support for important public safety issues including the introduction of whistleblower protection for workplace harassment at the Manitoba Legislature. Our team has also promised to strengthen the Employment Standards Code to grant leave for victims of sexual violence and to introduce Clare’s Law so that people can know if their intimate partners have a history of domestic violence.

I decided to run in this election to work with the PC Team to ensure that we continue to fix the finances in order to make Manitoba affordable for families and attractive to businesses.  As a business owner, I know how important local businesses are to our economy.  They provide services to the community and jobs.  A strong business community is important for a vibrant economy.

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

I have lived in South Winnipeg for over twenty years. I believe in the potential of Winnipeg and Manitoba to be a community where families and businesses can thrive, and I want to do everything I can to help move our community forward.

Through my experiences as a parent, Occupational Therapist, Special Assistant to the Minister of Infrastructure, and as the chair of a Parent Council for 10 years, I’ve developed a variety of skills that I will to put to work for the people of Fort Garry and Manitoba including leadership, collaboration with teams, and solution focused problem solving.

My many years of volunteering and fundraising for groups such as Special Olympics, Manitoba League for Persons with Disabilities, Tourette Syndrome Foundation, Manitoba Chapter, and the ALS Society have taught me about the importance of strong advocacy, and I know I will be a strong advocate for Fort Garry.

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

As the MLA for Fort Garry, my job would be to address the concerns that are important to the people of Fort Garry.  I believe a strong representative is engaged with the community and works to address their priorities.

I have heard from people at the doors in Fort Garry that affordability is a key issue.  People want the be able to buy a home, raise a family and stay in their homes as they age.  Our PC Team is focused on making Manitoba affordable through a variety of measures including keeping our promise to reduce the PST to 7% and reducing ambulance fees by half.

I want to continue that work with our PC Team and help make life more affordable for Manitoba families. I’m proud to have raised my family in South Winnipeg and I want that to be possible for the next generation.

I will work with our PC Team to continue to move Manitoba forward with our Guarantee to provide a $2020 tax rollback, invest $2 billion in healthcare, build 20 schools in Manitoba, create 40,000 private sector jobs and implement our Made-in-Manitoba Green Plan.

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

I have enjoyed meeting the people of Fort Garry and listening to their priorities over the last 5 months. I will work to earn your support and the privilege of representing Fort Garry as your PC MLA.