Manitoba Election

Janine Gibson - La Verendrye

Why did you decide to run in the 2011 Manitoba election?

I am passionate about more sustainable agriculture and resource use and La Verendrye is very much a rural riding where my neighbours and I depend on agriculture and natural resource policies & practices for our quality of life. I love my home and feel a responsibility to do the best I can to ensure our grandchildren have access to the same or better managed resources that we do in 2011.

What experience will you bring to compliment your role as MLA?

I have served as the national president of Canadian Organic Growers and remain the chairperson of the Manitoba chapter of COG- the Organic Food Council of Manitoba (www.organicfoodcouncil.org) Having served as an organic inspector and educator for the last 18 years, I have developed diplomacy, team work and problem solving skills that I believe an effective MLA needs. To be effective in creating positive change in how we rely on our environment we need to problem solve collegeally across municipal, provincial and federal government jurisdictions. The Green Party has the holistic vision to do that effectively.

Is there anything in particular you would like to change in our province? In your electoral division?

Respect for the demanding roles of food producers needs to increase and our growingly urban population needs to be aware of the importance of local food security and sustainable production, which includes natural resource management policies. We need integrated policies on food, energy and water management as these areas impact so mane elements of modern live and have been neglected at a high cost to our collective health and well being.

What is one thing you stand for that is not a part of your political party's platform?

I would like life to be more like a musical with spontaneous song and dance numbers cheering us up and inspiring us!

Do you have any other comments regarding your candidacy?

I run a garbage free campaign, no signs or leaflets. I rely on my supporters discussing their values with their friends and collegues- a word of mouth campaign, and expressing the many concerns about the sustainability of modern life so many of us feel, and challenging each other to greater activism to create solutions together.

What is your favourite location in the electoral division you are currently a candidate for?

I love my home between Pansy and Sarto, Northern Sun Farm Cooperative, our forest and meadows are my favourite place to be in the division! Though La Verendrye has many beautiful locations!

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