Progressive Conservative candidate Kelly Bindle served as Thompson’s MLA for the last three years. During the 2016 provincial election, Bindle beat the NDP’s Steve Ashton by 185 votes, ending his opponent’s 35-year reign as Thompson’s Member of the Legislative Assembly. In addition to being Thompson MLA, Bindle has also served as legislative assistant to the minister of growth, enterprise and trade.
How long have you been living in Thompson?
I’m 53 years old. I was born and raised in Thompson. I still live in the north. I love the north, and I don’t ever plan to leave.
What was your job before you decided to run for office?
I’m a structural engineer. I worked in the mining industry for 20 years. I have experience in mining in the north and I know how important mining is to northerners and northern families.
If re-elected, what are the biggest issues you want to tackle in the upcoming term?
When we were elected three years ago we inherited a huge NDP financial mess. We’ve made great strides in lowering the PST and balancing the budget. We want to continue to make life more affordable for Manitobans. We want to move forwards, not backwards, and leave more money on the kitchen table.
How do you plan on representing northern interests in the Manitoba legislature?
As a northerner I’m committed to bringing success to Northern Manitoba for all Manitobans. I’ll continue to engage and listen to their concerns and I’ll make sure they stay focused and front-and-centre in the legislature.
Why should someone vote for you instead of your political opponent?
Our party has a proven track record of keeping our word. We’re a united party and we’re committed to making life more affordable for Manitobans. We’re going to continue our fight and our struggle to reduce taxes, especially reducing the carbon tax. We’re going to fight against the NDP proposed carbon tax that would raise fuel to $1.77 a litre. We believe this is bad for Manitoba, and especially proportionately harmful to Northern Manitoba and we’re going to continue fighting it.
What’s the most difficult thing about campaigning?
You just stay committed and do it every day.
Anything else you want to add?
No.
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Thompson residents will get the chance to see Bindle and NDP candidate Danielle Adams face off in person during a Sept. 4 debate from 7p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Ma-Mow-We-Tak Friendship Centre.
The Manitoba Liberals and the Green Party of Manitoba have yet to nominate candidates in Thompson as of Aug. 15. The deadline for candidate nominations is Aug. 26 at 1 p.m.
