About Willard Reaves
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?
Before considering a career in politics I enjoyed successes in professional sports and law enforcement. I played professional football in the CFL from 1983 to 1988 with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers winning the Grey Cup In 1984 in which year I was voted the most Outstanding Player in the Canadian football league.
Subsequently I enjoyed 4 seasons playing in the NFL.
Briefly, after that, I started my own investigation company with 20 employees. I sold that company and joined the Manitoba Department of Justice for 23 years firstly in the sheriff’s department and then as a maintenance enforcement officer. Recently I was employed by a local company until my nomination in Ft. Whyte.
My formal education concluded with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Northern Arizona University.
I have resided in 2 residences in the Ft. Whyte constituency over the last 38 years, since 1985. I have been active in our community, particularly by coaching children who are now parents raising their own families in Ft. Whyte. My wife Lise is a nurse employed at the Victoria Hospital. Our blended family includes our children and 2 grandchildren ages 10 and 2.
The challenges facing my friends and constituents in Ft. Whyte most importantly concern healthcare, social justice, and public safety. These issues are dealt with on a costed basis in my party’s platform.
Before considering running for office in the Manitoba legislature, I was very fortunate to enjoy the friendship and support of friends and mentors in my previous careers. My friendship with the late Jim Carr helped me choose political candidacy. Jim contacted me well before I considered seeking the nomination in Ft. Whyte and helped persuade me to be a candidate. I hope I returned the favour in small measure by assisting his son Ben.
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?
38 years.
What is the biggest challenge facing your constituency, and how would you address it?
Health Care and long term care facilities. We need to invest in our health care system, not cut it.
If elected, what will be your first priority?
Re-opening the emergency rooms at Victoria, Concordia, and Seven Oaks hospitals.
Who are your role models in politics, and why?
Barack Obama! Because he broke down barriers for people of colour in politics.
Tell us something about yourself that voters might find surprising.
I have always wanted to be in law enforcement as a child, and for some reason, being drawn to such a career, I discovered why. My great-great-grandfather, Bass Reeves, was the first black deputy U.S. marshal west of the Mississippi River. My grandfather is being immortalized for his historical accomplishments with a movie coming out very soon called Bass Reeves. He stood tall for equal Justice under the law. In the 1800s, African Americans had many strikes against them, but my grandfather bravely, under extreme circumstances of that time, is why I’m here today.
Other candidates in constituency:
Obby Khan (Progressive Conservative)
Trudy Schroeder (New Democratic Party)