Rebecca Chartrand, Liberal — Churchill-Keewatinook Aski

Why do you want this job?

I love the work that I do now, and this is something I've had people tap me on the shoulder to do. I stepped into it because of the issues we're dealing with in the Churchill-Keewatinook Aski riding. We have 75 per cent indigenous people and the riding is dealing with some of the most challenging issues that this country is experiencing, and I think those issues need to be brought to light.

What's the biggest issue for the country and in your riding?

There is a compilation of issues. One of the biggest issues in the riding is food security and the cost of food, and that goes across the country with the cost of living going up. It's harder for people to make ends meet. There is also a housing crisis in the riding. We have people who are homeless in First Nation communities because we are just bursting at the seams and have had no investments in housing or infrastructure within the communities to meet the growing demands of the population.

Those are two major issues. I can't prioritize which one is more important; they are both equally important.

What would you do with the Senate?

I support Justin Trudeau's approach to give the Senate free will and not to be controlled by any particular party.

Winnipeg was described as the most racist city in Canada. What would you do to combat racism?

I think education and building good relationships is key. We need to work hard on addressing those uncomfortable truths that come up in our society. There is still a lot of unresolved historical tension, and what better tool to use but education to create a sense of awareness and change how we view and interact with people.

What role should the federal government play in dealing with climate change?

I think the government needs to look at maintaining the environmental integrity of our lands and our water. We have to ensure we have these resources for future generations. I like the Liberals' position going forward, and Justin Trudeau said it quite well, that governments grant permits, but communities grant permission. So that really creates a picture that if we are going forward and making decisions on things that will be impacting our community, we need to be working with the communities.

If there was one government policy you think is done better in another country, what is it? 

Finland. I like their education program. I mean, free education and free daycare has proven to benefit the country. You can see the results of academic success and the overall well-being for everybody in that country.

Under what circumstances is deficit spending a good choice?

Our modern landscape provides a good example of when deficit spending is necessary, and I go back to the people living in the Churchill-Keewatinook Aski riding and what they're dealing with. That's three-quarters of Manitoba. Huge housing crisis, food security, people can't afford to feed themselves because of the cost of food. Going up to Churchill, Manitoba, for example, I was talking to a person working for $15 an hour and can't afford a $12 jug of milk. They can't afford food at the local store, so they had to get someone to order it for them and send it up. That's not a sustainable way to live.

What do you believe is the single most effective way to fight crime?

Providing jobs and opportunities for people. When you think about the youth, everyone wants to be successful at something. So if there aren't any opportunities for them, like employment, unfortunately youth will turn to crime because those opportunities are sometimes more available. To address this we have to get youth involved.

What should be done about homegrown terrorism?

That's an issue of national security and that's one that's being addressed at this time. The internet and the access young people have to the internet requires education on how they are using and interacting with people online and the risks online. The government needs to monitor the risks.

If there was a gay pride parade in your riding, would you go? Why or why not?

Absolutely. I have family members who are openly gay and I think it's definitely something we have to support.

Have either you or your family had a frustrating experience with the health-care system, and what would you do to fix the problem?

Absolutely we've had frustrating experiences in the past, and unfortunately for some of our family members, that just has to do with the issue of not having access to immediate health care. A huge issue for a large part of our northern communities is having the same type of access to immediate health care that is comparable to an urban area. That is a continuing issue, I think, right across the country for northern rural communities.

What would you do to get more people to vote?

I think talking to people is the best approach that you can use — inspiring people, helping them see they are part of the solution if they get out and participate in democratic votes. Overall, try to inspire people to see that they are part of the picture and not feeling marginalized.

What's a better use of federal dollars: fixing roads or building rapid transit infrastructure?

I think there has to be a balance with that. We always have to be looking to the future and see how we can, over the long term, do things better. At the same time, when you travel to the North, there are huge areas of road that needs to be done. One prime example is Road 280 that goes from Thompson to Split Lake. That road is a lifeline for people, and unfortunately many people have lost their lives or been in accidents, and my cousin is one of those people, who is now paralyzed as a result of getting into a car accident on that road.

We definitely need to provide access roads for people that are necessary. But we also need to look at how we can make investments that will cost less to us in the long run, and I do like the idea of rapid transit.

Would you support legalizing a small amount of marijuana? And have you ever tried it?

The Liberal Party supports legalizing marijuana, and I support that as well, because we have to look at how many people are criminalized and get caught up in the justice system. Again, I think education is key. We need to make sure we are educating our young people as best as we can about the use of any type of narcotic and the effect it could have on their life.

And in terms of if I have ever done marijuana myself, I'm not sure that's a question I want to answer.