About Paramjit Shahi
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?
Like many fellow Canadians and newcomers, I started my journey in Canada with hard work and perseverance. Beginning in the service industry, I labored tirelessly until I attained a management position.
Together with my brother, I also ventured into entrepreneurship, aiming to create opportunities not just for our own family but for the people of Winnipeg.
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 been a resident in the Constituency of Fort Richmond for over 20 years, which has given me a deep understanding of our local issues. I have consistently delivered results, building a proven track record spanning two decades of service to the residents of Fort Richmond and South Winnipeg.
What is the biggest challenge facing your constituency, and how would you address it?
I think the biggest challenges are building more recreational facilities, which would help in solving other issues such as rising crime/safer streets, healthcare and education for the residents of South Winnipeg. I would address those in the following ways, in fact, I am on track to address them in collaboration with all the stakeholders:
Affordable Housing: Building
Recreational Facilities: I have been working during the past 5 months on the Re-envisioning of South Winnipeg Community Centre in collaboration with elected officials and other stakeholders. We held an open house on September 18, to share the final concept of the plan. The re-envisioned plan includes an NBA sized multipurpose gym at the Richmond site, new pickle ball courts, basketball courts, badminton courts, splash pad, ice rink upgrades, soccer field, baseball field etc.
In addition, iI was involved in extensive lobbying efforts across levels of government, to secure the $90 million in funding for the new recreation center in South Winnipeg!
Furthermore, I am especially proud to have been a strong advocate for the Waverly West Recreation Campus Aquatic Facility. I am thrilled to announce that today, the PC party, if re-elected, has pledged an additional $10 million towards this aquatic facility.
If elected, what will be your first priority?
In addition to recreational facilities, my first priority is affordability for all residents and stimulating investments in key sectors, such as, healthcare and education. This includes keeping the taxes low and putting more money towards fixing healthcare, to reduce wait times and training and hiring new healthcare workers.
In addition, investing more in education and adding more daycare seats in the neighbourhood. This will be done by involving the local residents into a consultation process in order to get grassroots feedback.
These priorities are important to me as numerous young families in my neighbourhood desire affordable and quality education and I want the same for my 7 year old daughter.
Moreover, a lot of seniors in the neighbourhood rely on the healthcare system and want reduced wait times and access to family physicians.
We have a solid plan to do it and I will continue to be a strong voice and advocate to achieve the same. This is how we are going to fix it:
While there is a global healthcare shortage, we have invested $400 million to recruit, train and retain 2,000 health care professionals in under a year. I will be a front voice to build upon the same.
Moreover, we have exceeded our pledge of adding 400 nursing seats.
Furthermore, we will work with international governments to bring highly educated health care workers into Manitoba. 350 nurses are already on the way!
We are committed to clearing the Pandemic induced backlog by ramping up surgical and diagnostic capacity. We have already cleared 80,000 surgeries and diagnostic procedures.
More healthcare workers is the solution. 150 doctors, 350 nurses and additional medical professionals are already on the way.
More investments in healthcare is integral. This is why the health sciences centre will receive $1.5 billion to enhance, modernize and improve patient care with new patient rooms.
I will be a strong advocate for increased education funding and continue to consult parents and other stakeholders, to provide Manitobans with a well rounded education that prepares them for a better future.
Who are your role models in politics, and why?
My role model is Councillor Janice Lukes. Over the past 8 years, I have had the privilege of working alongside her, and together, we have accomplished significant improvements in the constituency of Fort Richmond and Winnipeg South, overall.
I draw inspiration from Councillor Lukes, who consistently demonstrates dedication, passion, and a results-oriented approach to serving South Winnipeg. I have learned valuable lessons from her, and I aspire to serve the residents of Fort Richmond with the same level of commitment for Fort Richmond, as I have already done in the past.
Tell us something about yourself that voters might find surprising.
I have a proven track record of serving Fort Richmond through various initiatives:
- Kirkbridge Park upgrades – Worked alongside Councillor Janice Lukes to secure funding and oversee improvements:
o Installed shade structures.
o Installed benches around the park.
o Upgraded the kids' play structure.
o Tree plantation drive in the park.
o Mother Language Plaza.
- Sports Development in the area:
o Lobbied for city and provincial funding for sports infrastructure.
o Upgraded and acquired basketball, lawn tennis, cricket, and volleyball facilities.
o Initiated South Winnipeg Community Centre Re-envisioning process to build more basketball, soccer, and pickleball courts. Open house held on Sep 18 at 6:00 PM at Richmond Kings site (666 Silverstone) in which final concept was shared with catchment area members.
o Richmond Kings Ice Rink upgrades – money raised and work in progress.
- Critical Community Projects:
o Raised money to renovate and upgrade Waverly Heights Community Centre
o Raised money to upgrade and renovate Richmond Kings Arena (Renovations in progress)
o South Winnipeg Community Centre Re-envisioning process to build infrastructure, add more youth and seniors programming, and address the diverse needs of Fort Richmond.
o Lobbied across all levels of government to secure $90 million in funding for the new South Winnipeg Rec Centre.
o Strong voice for the $10 million funding for the Waverly West Recreation Campus Aquatic Facility announced by the PC Party on Sep 19, 2023.
I am proud to live in Ft. Richmond and understand the local issues. My successful track record proves that I will work hard to serve the residents of Fort Richmond. I will remain connected to the community to ensure a bright future for the area.