2019 Manitoba Election

Shandi Strong - Wolseley

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

For much of my life as a parent, manager, community leader and activist, I have wanted to make a difference.  Over the past decade I had become a community activist and had come to realize that in spite of the good work and awareness being raised by advocates and community groups, change seemed slow.  Just before the 2016 election I was inspired to step up and volunteer, instead I became a candidate, which changed my life.

After the election I became the constituency assistant to Dr. Jon Gerrard, where I have learned, hands on, more about the role of an MLA, and worked side by side with him to advocate for people who need help.  We have helped save lives, raise awareness for injustices and made real differences in many lives for people who have faced so many difficulties.  It is so very rewarding.

My choices at one point in my life about nine years ago, seemed very limited. But thanks to someone saying the right thing to me at the right time, I was able to make a better choice, and be here today to help make a difference in the lives of my community and friends.

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

The many struggles and profound decisions I’ve faced have imparted a new-found level of confidence and personal strength, allowing me to find my voice and work to make a difference for others in the world through advocacy in the field of human rights.

Since the 2016 Provincial election I have remained active in politics working as the constituency assistant to Dr. Jon Gerrard, MLA for River Heights, who has held the seat for 20 years, and is one of the most respected political figures in the country.

Working in the legislature these past three years has given my drive to make a difference substance, and focus.  With this experience I have never been more ready to take on the role of an MLA.  I believe that the Manitoba Liberal party is the choice, the alternative to the PC’s and NDP.  Manitobans need to know that there is another choice for them, a thoughtful choice that will balance social and fiscal responsibilities while investing our way out of debt without balancing the books on the backs of the most vulnerable in our society. Every decision I make will be viewed with a lens focused on human rights.

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

Meth and crime is a topic that we discuss at the doors every single evening that we are out canvassing. In Wolseley people report daily of property being stolen, cars rummaged, and needles found in parks and yards.

We need to address the many aspects of why people take meth.  There are many social and mental health related reasons someone starts to use it.  Trauma and poverty are only two reasons people can become addicted. Manitoba Liberals want to use the proceeds from legal cannabis to fund education for prevention and treatment and support for those addicted.

As someone who once relied on EIA to survive, I fully support a basic minimum income to help families with their basic needs far better than our existing and broken EIA systems. And perhaps most importantly provide basic mental heath coverage under Medicare so that those who need help and support get it before turning to drugs or other addictions.

Climate change is real. We have a 25 page bold and achievable plan to use nature and technology to become a world leader in reversing the effects of human caused climate change, and grow our economy at the same time.

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

I have learned through my own life, raising a family, and my struggles a large degree of empathy, that enables me to put myself in another’s place, which greatly enhances my ability to help them.  Being an MLA is not just about being in the legislature, it’s about caring for and helping the people you were elected to serve. It’s often the one to one, face to face, where we make the biggest differences in people’s lives.  The past three years doing just that have been their own reward, and I look forward to doing even more as an MLA.