The NDP’s northern candidates are touting themselves as the best choices for the region as the provincial election campaign enters the final days before voting April 19.
“Our platform addresses the key challenges and opportunities facing us here in Northern Manitoba,” said Thompson candidate Steve Ashton in an April 12 news release. “It focuses on jobs and the economy, health care, education and training, housing and social services.
Among the planks of the northern platform Ashton highlighted were an improved Northern Patient Transportation Program, more personal care home spaces in the north, expansion of dialysis, building a trades centre in Thompson, investing in highways, new all-weather roads, hydroelectric development, mining and forestry strategies to maximize jobs and support to indigenous land planning.
“At a time when we face uncertainties in the mining sector at Vale and forestry we have recognized the need to focus in on our resource industries as well,” he said. “People have been pleased to see the improvements to health care facilities we have made but want to see improved services such as an MRI and better Northern Patient Transportation. They want to see more education and training opportunities and more affordable education. They want to see a focus on keeping and developing good jobs. They want more affordable housing. The platform addresses these and many other northern priorities.”
Keewatinook candidate Eric Robinson said April 12 that the Liberals weren’t a viable choice for northerners.
“The [Rana] Bokhari Liberals’ plans don’t make sense and don’t add up, and she hasn’t even visited the north this campaign,” he said.
Flin Flon NDP candidate Tom Lindsey said the NDP would improve infrastructure and creating good jobs for northerners.
“Today’s NDP is committed to making sure indigenous communities share in the benefits of mining and forestry, and our investments will create northern jobs for northern families,” he said. “We’re going to build roads and highways, keep Manitoba Hydro public and keep the northern economy growing.”
