About Andrew Smith
When were you born?
Between 1981 and 1996 (Millennial)
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?
My name is Andrew Smith. It has been an honour to serve as your MLA for Lagimodiere and I am asking once again for that same honour. I was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba and live in Bonavista with my lovely wife Jamie and our four year old son Lincoln.
My interest in politics began as a young child. Growing up, the right to vote and the importance of political freedom was ingrained in me by my Ukrainian grandparents. They escaped the Soviet Union to find a better life in Canada. While my journey in politics has had many influences, my grandparents’ influence left an indelible mark.
I attended and graduated from the University of Manitoba. After graduating, I began my career in business development and marketing in an oil recycling start-up before serving as a political staff to a Manitoban Member of Parliament. I was then first elected as a Member for the Legislative Assembly (MLA) on April 19th, 2016, as the MLA for Southdale.
During my university years I competed in Olympic style weight lifting and this passion for athletics was translated into my work as the legislative assistant to the Minister of Sport, Culture, and Heritage in 2017. On September 10th, 2019, I was elected once again as an MLA, this time for the newly formed electoral constituency of Lagimodiere. I was humbly honoured that on January 18th, 2022, I was appointed by our Premier Heather Stefanson as the Minister of Sport, Culture and Heritage. On January 30th, 2023, I was appointed Minister of Municipal Relations.
As MLA for Lagimodiere and as a Minister, I have been so fortunate to be able to become immersed in the many diverse cultural communities and organizations within Manitoba and the great constituency of Lagimodiere.
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?
10 years, as I lived in Southdale starting in 2013, and then when the boundaries changed I was already living in the portion of the constituency that was carved out to create the new Lagimodiere constituency in 2019, and still currently reside there with my family.
What is the biggest challenge facing your constituency, and how would you address it?
After advocating and fighting for 2 new schools in Sage Creek, I am proud to say that 1 major issue has been solved. As a father to a young child, I understand the value of schools being built close to home.
These schools will provide childcare spaces, which will alleviate some pressure in the community. This on top of the 2 Living Prairie Childcare centres who received provincial funding.
If re-elected, I will continue to fight for additional daycare spaces in our community. Additionally, I will advocate for more and better bus service in Sage Creek and Bonavista. Two areas that have grown fast over the past number of years.
If elected, what will be your first priority?
My first priorities if re-elected would be to continue to fight for additional daycare spaces, advocate for a safer pick up and drop off location at Island Lakes School and better bus services in our newer communities (Sage Creek and Bonavista).
Who are your role models in politics, and why?
Throughout my time in politics, I have had a number of mentors who have helped shape me and I credit them for being where I am today. But there are two people who I credit for influencing my political interest.
First my grandfather who was a refugee from Ukraine. He always talked politics with me, even at a young age. His experience in the Soviet Union made him appreciate the political freedom that he found in Canada.
Secondly, my grade 9 social studies teacher. His relatability and humour caught my attention. I never told him at the time, but my mind gravitated to Canadian and provincial politics ever since.
Tell us something about yourself that voters might find surprising.
During my university years I used to train and compete in Olympic style weightlifting. I represented Manitoba several times at the Western Canadian Weightlifting Championships.