About Garry Alejo
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 worked with an airline company as a Finance employee since 2014. In addition, I have a 24-year career of combined experience in finance, accounting, and business process enhancement. I also served as a Union Executive Board for International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers-Local Lodge 2603.
I am the chapter founder of Northwest Bear Clan Patrol, with diverse active members from the community. Currently, we cover 10 communities in the Northwest area of Winnipeg. We also run different projects for the community like Clean Up Drive during spring, Back to School Project, and Project Bundle-Up during winter. I am also a Board Member of organizations, Caring For Our Environment Manitoba Inc. and Tyndall Park Community Centre.
Aside from being well-connected to the diverse community, I also engaged myself with fundraising to help the Indigenous community. A friend made a design with "Every Child Matters" T-Shirt translated into different Indigenous languages including Tagalog translated as "Mahalaga Ang Bawat Bata".
The fundraising was supported by Filipinos, Indigenous and Non-Indigenous communities. I donated 100% of the profit to Ka Ni Kanichihk Inc. to help the women and children who were victims of abuse in the community.
As a community advocate, I was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal (Provincial) for my dedication to driving positive change, tireless advocacy and enduring commitment to societal improvement.
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?
I used to lived in Burrows and now I lived in an adjacent area. Most of my relatives and friends live in Burrows. My only child graduated from Elementary, Middle School and High School in Burrows.
Since I ran the Northwest Bear Clan Patrol, we cover and patrol some parts of the Burrows area and I saw first hand the issues that is really happening in the constituency. Hence, I would like to advocate change in Burrows.
What is the biggest challenge facing your constituency, and how would you address it?
As we all know that Health Care System is the biggest challenge facing all constituencies. Manitoba Liberals will immediately improve the way we pay family physicians, nurse practitioners and all health professionals who support their work in clinics with top-ups and flexible pay for extra time and care spent with patients who need it, for working in teams. We will stabilize staffing levels with bonuses to keep and attract workers currently in the system.
If elected, what will be your first priority?
Having patrolled in the Burrows area, I have seen the effects of poverty, addiction and mental health challenges. This is the reason that I am running for office. I want to be able to effect change. I will make an effort for everyone, especially to my Burrows constituents to utter this question "How can I help".
I want to let the people of Burrows know that I can be someone they can approach when help is needed. I am committed to representing our voices, advocating for positive change, and working tirelessly to make our community even stronger.
Who are your role models in politics, and why?
Dougald Lamont is my role model in politics. His dedication, integrity and vision inspire me every day to make a positive impact.
Tell us something about yourself that voters might find surprising.
I can speak 4 different languages (English, Tagalog, Ilocano and Pangalatok).
I am not a Talker, but I am a Doer.
Change in the community does not come from one person. It takes all of us to be agents of change. Let's make that change.
Other candidates in constituency:
Diljeet Brar (New Democratic Party)
Nav Brar (Progressive Conservative)