About Ian MacIntyre
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?
Ian MacIntyre is a retired teacher with 38 years of service. He was born in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia and grew up in a strong Union household. He says if it wasn’t for the Union he would not have been able to attend Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Ian has lived in Kildonan – River East for 16 years.
After receiving his Bachelor of Education degree, Ian worked in Nigeria, for two years. Then it was on to Manitoba where he taught in Oxford House, South Indian Lake, Cross Lake, Cranberry Portage, Beausejour and finally settling in Winnipeg to work in the River East Transcona School Division.
Ian never lost the Union bug. He was an active Manitoba Teachers’ Society member and was President of the 15, 000-member provincial organization in 1998 – 1999. He has remained active in the Union to this day.
Ian is a member of the Board of a non-for-profit community-based organization that provides housing and supports to persons living with developmental disabilities.
Ian is an advocate for youth and adults with developmental challenges. Part of his work in the educational system and since his retirement has been to find volunteer and work placements where students can learn new skills, participate in the community and learn to navigate the world in a caring and supportive environment.
Ian is a member of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Ian is a proud gay man who supports the community, the rights of the individual to be themselves, and for all people to grow up in safe environments and have a full live.
Involved in politics for many years, Ian has worked on federal and provincial elections, and is a long-standing member of the Manitoba Liberal Party.
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 have lived in Kildonan - River East for 16 years.
What is the biggest challenge facing your constituency, and how would you address it?
1. Health Care - I have spoken to constituents who have highlighted Health Care as their number 1 concern. I have spoken to children of elderly parents who were devastated that postponed specialist appointments resulted in a delayed cancer diagnosis. Others have highlighted the need for family doctors. Constituents are not satisfied that an ambulance ride can take 20 or 30 minutes because they are diverted from a hospital 5 kilometres away. A Manitoba Liberal Government is committed to training more doctors, nurses and health care professionals. We will recruit family doctors. We will provide flexible pay allowing doctors to provide the quality of care that is determined by the need of their patient rather than rushing patients through the system. Patients like seniors, expectant mothers, or people with more complicated issues, need more time with their doctors and their doctor should be allowed to deliver it.
2. Homelessness - Many constituents are engaged in this election and its issues. People are concerned about the homeless and the factors leading to homelessness. They understand that homelessness can result from failure, addiction, abandonment, mental illness. and other factors. Constituents have responded positively to the Manitoba Liberal Platform promise to create rapid response teams for homeless persons living with addiction or mental illness. I spoke to one constituent who provides bottles of water to the homeless near their home. This is a small gesture, but a generous action. A Manitoba Liberal Government will end the punitive EIA penalties for work and ensure that people who want to work will be able to access the resources and supports they need through a properly funded jobs assistance program. We will implement a provincial guaranteed dignified income (Mincome) for people with severe physical or mental disabilities, as well as people over 60. We will implement a "Same Day Housing" strategy that will end in permanent housing.
3. Seniors Care - Seniors have shared they feel disposable - Getting home Care Support is a nightmare, or Home Care Workers are replaced often due to high turn over or vacancies. Seniors have no where to turn. A Manitoba Liberal Government will create the Office of the Senior's Advocate to investigate, advocate, and provide solutions for government on all issues that affect seniors. We will support seniors living at home by creating the “Safe at Home” strategy which provides grants up to $15,000 for seniors to retrofit their homes and enhance accessibility, improve Senior's Care Home staff ratios, and increase salaries and attract Home Care professionals to the profession.
If elected, what will be your first priority?
I have had some constituents share their stories with me, and my first priority is to follow-up with constituents having problems navigating the system. I will meet with the constituents dealing with cancer in their families to ensure they are getting the service they need. I will check in with several people living with disabilities to ensure their homes get the retrofits they need, and I will help several people with their Human Rights Commission complaints.
A Liberal Government will table a new Budget and legislation. I will work on legislation to ensure the clawbacks on EIA is eliminated.
Who are your role models in politics, and why?
1. Pierre Elliot Trudeau - In 1968, my dad had me going door to door dropping Trudeau flyers. I have been a live long Liberal. Take him or leave him, PET left us a lasting legacy including the Canadian Multicultural Mosaic, bilingualism, and repatriating the Constitution enshrining Indigenous Rights and Treaty Rights. Trudeau believed in democracy and social justice. I believe we are better when we are working for citizens, looking after those less fortunate, and helping those in need. Kindness costs nothing.
2. Nelson Mandela - Even in prison Mandela did not waver. He believed all South Africans should be free and equal partners in South Africa. His work on reconciliation is a template for the world to follow. I believe treating others with respect, listening more, and benefitting the many is an example for us all.
3. Ruth Bader Ginsburg - A litigator, crusader, and advocate, Ms. Ginsburg was strongly opinionated, rational and tenacious. She believed in the rights of women and equality of all genders. I describe myself as sane, strongly opinionated (although that description is not often referred to in those words) and tenacious. I am a feminist, an advocate for the 2SLBGTQIA+, a supporter of pronouns, and anti book banning.
Tell us something about yourself that voters might find surprising.
In my youth I was an avid waterpolo player. I played for the Dalhousie University Tigers (even though I attended St. Mary's University down the street). When I moved to Winnipeg, in 1993, I played for the Guppies in a Rec League at Sargent Park Pool.
I love travelling. I've travelled to Africa 4 times and in 1999 visited Nelson Mandela's home (a National Historic Site) in Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa.
I am an avid reader. You can friend me on Godreads.com
Other candidates in constituency:
Alana Vannahme (Progressive Conservative)
Rachelle Schott (New Democratic Party)