About JD Devgan
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?
I’m Director of Government and Community Relations at the University of Manitoba, responsible for the building and managing the relationship between the University and all levels of government. I advocate for post-secondary education with a broad range of stakeholders.
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'm born and raised in Northeast Winnipeg, went to school in McPhillips and now live just a few blocks outside the riding. This area is home. I know McPhillips intimately from my community involvement and school and it's home to many close family and friends.
What is the biggest challenge facing your constituency, and how would you address it?
The Seven Oaks Hospital is in McPhillips and the Pallister-Stefanson PC government closed our emergency room. Understaffing at the hospital because of PC cuts is a major concern. McPhillips has seen rapid growth in recent years and still lacks key infrastructure, such as schools and community services. If elected, I’ll work with NDP leader Wab Kinew to boost hospital staffing, re-open the ER and build infrastructure in this growing community.
If elected, what will be your first priority?
Fixing Healthcare (and working with the City of Winnipeg to help address infrastructure needs in northwest Winnipeg).
Who are your role models in politics, and why?
Gary Doer, a respected Manitoban who worked effectively across political lines and was a pragmatic, progressive leader.
Tell us something about yourself that voters might find surprising.
I played quite a few different sports when I was younger, mostly basketball and hockey. While I wasn’t great, I had a lot of fun anyway.