About Katherine Johnson
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?
I'm a management professional with decades of experience, and currently the Executive Director of the Manitoba Liberal Party. I'm also a wife and mother of two adult sons. My husband and I have been community leaders for more than 25 years.
After seeing my elderly parents struggle to navigate the health system, I was moved to run for office, to bring my experience and skills to improve healthcare and all government services.
I grew up in Winnipeg but started my career in banking in Toronto after doing an MBA at Queen’s University. In 1998, I took a job with Manitoba Industry and Trade. I quickly became a “go-to” person facilitating communication between business owners and government officials. I negotiated the terms of three multi-million-dollar, public-private, venture capital funds that funded Manitoba businesses to grow and create jobs.
Later, at Frontier Capital Fund, I worked with small businesses to improve financial and management practices. I have sat on several boards, including the Civil Service Superannuation Board and YMCA-YMCA of Winnipeg. I also owned and operated two small businesses for several years before returning to public service.
From 2019-2022, I managed the constituency office of the late Hon. Jim Carr, MP for Winnipeg South Centre. There, I listened to the concerns of constituents, helping them access services and have their voices heard.
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?
My husband and I live in East Fort Garry, very close to the boundary with Fort Rouge. We've been here for more than 25 years, raised a family, and spent much time in the neighbouring Fort Rouge communities of Lord Roberts, Riverview and Osborne Village.
What is the biggest challenge facing your constituency, and how would you address it?
The people of Fort Rouge talk to me about healthcare, caring for the environment, caring for people less fortunate, i.e. homeless, addicted and impoverished people, and education.
If elected, what will be your first priority?
In Healthcare, the MLP plans for $5,000 and $10,000 bonuses to healthcare workers, including homecare workers, to show our appreciation and respect for the work they do. Timely access to healthcare requires more family practice doctors. We want to work with Doctors Manitoba to change the fee-for-service model to a flex-pay model, which enables doctors to take more time with patients and improves the work-life balance for family doctors. We also want to train more Physician Assistants and increase the number of medical residencies.
Who are your role models in politics, and why?
Dr. Jon Gerrard, MLA for River Heights. Jon models integrity, compassion and hard work.
The late Hon. Jim Carr, MP for Winnipeg South Centre. Jim was a big picture thinker who brought differing people together by appealing to their aspirations.
Nelson Mandela. Mr. Mandela conceived the modern day truth and reconciliation approach to overcoming the damage caused by oppression.
Tell us something about yourself that voters might find surprising.
I take classes in improv and I'm a certified yoga instructor.
Other candidates in constituency:
Rejeanne Caron (Progressive Conservative)
Wab Kinew (New Democratic Party)
Robert Crooks (Communist)