About Bernadette Smith
When were you born?
Between 1966 and 1980 (Generation X)
Tell our readers a bit about your professional life. What do you do for a living? If you're an incumbent candidate, what did you do before you entered politics?
I am an incumbent Candidate. I was a teacher before entering politics.
What's the highest level of education you've attained?
Bachelor's degree
How long have you lived in the constituency? If you don't currently live there, what led you to run there instead of where you live?
32 years
What is the biggest challenge facing your constituency, and how would you address it?
Housing - connecting people in our community that are experiencing homelessness with housing and mental health supports as quickly as possible - not going the route of leaving lots or houses vacant or selling off our existing social housing stock.
Crime and Community Safety - the Manitoba NDP will hire 100 more mental health workers to work alongside police officers so police can focus on doing their job. We'll address the root causes of crime and improve supports to set kids on the right path like a universal meals program and more funding to local organizations.
Addictions Crisis & Supervised Consumption Sites - The addictions crisis is a public health crisis. We need to listen to the experts and lead with compassion. We can save lives, make our communities safer and connect Manitobans struggling with addictions to health care and support to turn their lives around. The Manitoba NDP will work with health and addictions experts to create a supervised consumption site. We will also expand treatment and detox beds to help Manitobans recover from addiction.
If elected, what will be your first priority?
Addressing the issue of homelessness.
Who are your role models in politics, and why?
Gary Doer, former Premier of Manitoba - my mother had his photo displayed on the fridge in our kitchen. Gary was the first politician I met in person - when he knocked at our door while campaigning in our North End neighborhood.
Jack Layton, late federal NDP Leader - Jack was so inspirational, hopeful and optimistic.
Tell us something about yourself that voters might find surprising.
I love to snowmobile, enjoy quad driving too - and riding on rollercoasters - I'm a bit of a daredevil.
I'm a grandmother of five, my youngest daughter just gave birth to her first child three weeks ago.