Greg Carlos announces candidacy for Steinbach council

A Steinbach resident has announced his candidacy for city council with municipal elections taking place on Oct. 28 in Manitoba.

And if Greg Carlos is elected, he will be the first Filipino to represent Steinbach residents.

Carlos came to Canada in 2005, moving with his siblings and parents to Steinbach in 2007. “Since then, I have personally witnessed this city’s growth,” he said in his announcement. “I have seen Steinbach become a strong, welcoming, diverse and hardworking community – a place where people come together, raise families, build businesses, and support one another. Today I’m proud to raise my own family here with my two boys.”

Carlos said his parents, now seniors, continue to live in the community and maintaining a city where all have safety and wellbeing is a priority for him.

Carlos brings 10 years of experience in the medical field to the table, an experience he said taught him the importance of compassion, listening, respect and ensuring people receive the care and support they need.

“It has shaped how I see community service: people deserve to be heard, treated with dignity, and supported through every stage of life,” he said.

Carlos has since moved on, going back to school and entering the career of health and safety security.

He also brings a wealth of other experience to the table.

He currently sits on the boards of Summer in the City and the Filipino Conservative Alliance of Manitoba, is the vice-president of the Steinbach PC Association and former president of the South Eastman Filipino Association. He’s also a former board member of South Eastman English and Literacy Services.

Carlos said becoming a city councillor has been an idea he’s considered for some time.

In December, he talked to his wife and said the two prayed about it before deciding now was the time.

He began attending council meetings that month and has been to every one since in an effort to learn how governance works at the municipal level.

He also talked to several current councillors and said he received tremendous support as he planned to seek election.

“I don’t know everything but I’m approachable and I have so much support,” he said. “This is what we call community. I know it’s an election. It’s about who is going to win also but at the end of the day it’s about the community and the people here.”

Carlos said he believes in practical solutions, responsible decisions, open communication and listening to the voices of residents.

“I understand our council listens but if we have one more person with a different perspective or a different experience… I think it would be beneficial for everyone,” he said.

Carlos said it’s important to remember that what makes councils successful is their ability to work together.

“Council is about collaboration,” he said. “It’s not about (individual councillors), it’s about how we can make the city better and how we can make our city safer for everyone.”

In his announcement Carlos quoted Jeremiah 29:7 which says: “Seek the peace and prosperity of the city… Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”

“That message reflects my heart for Steinbach,” he said. “When our community succeeds, our families, businesses, neighbourhoods, seniors, and future generations succeed too.”