EDITORS NOTE: The following is the first in a series of Q&As with candidates running in the riding of Memramcook-Tantramar in the Sept. 24 provincial election.
Q. Why have you chosen to run in this election campaign?
A. I see a good fit between the needs of Memramcook-Tantramar and what I and the NDP can offer its people and its communities. My experience as a registered nurse of over 32 years, a former city councillor, and an experienced community leader has certainly prepared me for the role as an MLA for my community.
Q. What would you and/or your party bring to the riding if you are elected MLA?
A. I offer a strong voice to advance the interests of our people and our many communities, each with their unique needs. I also offer many years of successful experience in bringing about positive change at various levels in the province. And, finally, I offer the policy initiatives of the NDP, for example its focus on proposals for lowering the cost of childcare, establishing a fair minimum wage, creating opportunities for youth, ending privatization of healthcare, expanding our excellent Extra Mural Care program, and setting a target of at least 17 per cent for land conservation.
Q. What do you see as the biggest strengths/assets of the riding and what measures would you take to capitalize on them?
A. Memramcook-Tantramar is one of the most beautiful places on this earth. It is both a wonderful place to visit, and an ideal place in which to live. I have never seen another area with as many interesting entrepreneurial initiatives being taken, or with as many active community organizations, seeking to better people’s lives and preserve, protect, and advance our rural and small-town communities. I am particularly struck by the imaginative and practical proposals conceived locally for developing a better and more integrated educational system, and with there being so many, and such significant, agencies engaged in protecting and better managing our environment.
Q. What do you feel is the key challenge(s) facing the Memramcook-Tantramar riding and how would you work to address it?
A. The challenges facing Memramcook-Tantramar are the same as those that confront the entire province: we need more people here; we need better economic opportunities for the working population, and especially our young people; we need to protect and improve our healthcare system; we need to protect our environment; and we need to make it easier for voluntary community organizations to continue to do their good work. I pledge that I will put all my efforts, my particular strengths, and my extensive and practical political experience into working on such matters as the MLA from Memramcook-Tantramar.
Q. What one message do you hope gets out to the voters during this election campaign?
A. I hope to persuade the residents of Memramcook-Tantramar that the NDP’s program, my political experience at the municipal and provincial levels, and the strengths and skills that I have developed as a registered nurse and health research associate will best serve the area and its people.
