About Dennis Bayomi
When were you born?
Between 1946 and 1965 (Baby Boomer)
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?
Born and raised Winnipegger, and longtime vegan, I'm a retired IT professional, with degrees in Computer Science and Community Health Sciences, having worked most of my career at the UM Medical School.
I'm currently the President, Deputy Leader and Health critic for the Green Party of Manitoba, all in a volunteer capacity.
What's the highest level of education you've attained?
Master'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?
I've lived in Westwood or St. James for the past 40+ years - in the riding from 1978-1990 and 2015-present, 2 streets outside the riding 1990-2015.
What is the biggest challenge facing your constituency, and how would you address it?
The Climate Emergency. It's the biggest challenge facing the entire planet, not just our constituency of Kirkfield Park! First, we need to recognize it for the Emergency it truly is. Without clean air, clean water and clean food, nothing else matters.
Second, we need to mobilize in the same way our country mobilized during WWII. All levels of government, all political parties, businesses small and large, NGOs and private citizens must come together to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of the Climate Emergency. This would include forming a Climate Emergency Response Agency, a Climate Response Youth Corps and a Climate Emergency Bond issue. Our young people are watching and waiting.
If elected, what will be your first priority?
My first priority will be to extend a hand to each of the other 56 MLAs, get to know them and work across party lines to address the Climate Emergency. It's absolutely imperative that we work together to address the most significant, existential challenge of our time.
Who are your role models in politics, and why?
My idol - and I'm proud to say I met him personally - is Ralph Nader. I've long respected his positions, his politics (he was for a time Leader of the Green Party in the U.S.), his communications skills and his down-to-Earthness. Bernie Sanders also ranks up there, with his tenacity and dedication, so much so I call my political events sport jacket "Bernie"!
Tell us something about yourself that voters might find surprising.
I've been a vegan for the past 30 years, this past August marked my 30th anniversary!
I'm a huge basketball fan - I still "play" rec ball with friends my age.
And I'm a BIG instrumental surf music fan! Yup, the Shadows, Ventures, etc.
Been helping with and looking forward to the Centennial of my ol' high school, Gordon Bell, in 2026! Calling all Panthers!!!
Other candidates in constituency:
Logan Oxenham (New Democratic Party)
Rhonda Nichol (Liberal)
Kevin Klein (Progressive Conservative)