MaryAnn Mihychuk, Liberal Kildonan-St. Paul

Why do you want this job?

I believe that Canada needs a change. We need a government that will invest in our economyand the Canadians that need greater support.

What's the biggest issue for the country and in your riding?

Jobs and the infrastructure deficit are the biggest issues facing Kildonan-St. Paul and the country.

The lack of job prospects for our youth and young adults is a concern that I have often heard at the door, and the Liberals will dedicate greater funding for youth employment.

Our roads are in disrepair, our sewer and water systems need major upgrades. All of this hurts us economically. We need to build up the country. Through the Liberal Party's infrastructure investment, the riding will be able to live out projects such as the expansion of the Chief Peguis Trail to Centreport, seniors' housingand traffic congestion.

In Kildonan-St. Paul, seniors are not able to enjoy a dignified retirement under current circumstances. Liberals have a plan to assist seniors, starting with an increase of 10 per centfor GIS.

What would you do with the Senate?

The Supreme Court has ruled that we can't get rid of it without unanimous consent of the provinces. By releasing the Liberal senators from the Liberal caucus, Justin Trudeau and the Liberal Party did more for Senate reform in one morning than Stephen Harper has done in 10 years. We will create a new, non-partisan, merit-based process to advise the Prime Minister on Senate appointments.

Winnipeg was described as the most racist city in Canada. What would you do to combat racism?

Education dispels myths and stereotypes, and I would build connections and relationships across cultures. As part of our infrastructure investment, we will fund religious and cultural community centres.

I am proud that the Liberals will adopt all of the recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. These are the first steps of many that are needed to improve relations with indigenous peoples.

What role should the federal government play in dealing with climate change?

The federal government needs to work with the provinces and territories to address climate change. We have committed to attend the Paris [UN] climate conference as well as working together to establish national emissions-reduction targets, and ensure that the provinces and territories have targeted federal funding and the flexibility to design their own policies to meet these commitments, including their own carbon-pricing policies.

If there was one government policy you think is done better in another country, what is it?

In Sweden, the government has created conditions that give women and men the same power and opportunities. As a result, women's representation as heads of companies has increased. Canada would benefit from enacting a law to increase women's participation in the public and private sectors.

Under what circumstances is deficit spending a good choice?

Deficit spending is a good choice when the interest rates are low and there is an opportunity for investment and growth. The Liberals are being honest about the plans for deficit spending to make up for a lack of investment in the economy and jobs over the last several years.

It's like when you want to invest in your home, you take a loan or remortgage your house to renovate the kitchen or the bathroom. These short-term deficits will pay off in the long run.

What do you believe is the single most effective way to fight crime?

The most effecting way to fight crime is by providing economic opportunities (jobs andtraining) in communities in which crime is a large problem. Investments in social housing are also integral to fighting crime.

What should be done about homegrown terrorism?

I believe as a country we can improve security against homegrown terrorism while protecting our rights and freedoms.

If there was a gay pride parade in your riding, would you go? Why or why not?

Of course! LGBTTQrights are human rights. It's important to stand in solidarity with members of the community.

Have either you or your family had a frustrating experience with the health-care system, and what would you do to fix the problem?

In my family, it has been difficult to find a general practitioner in times of need, and to fix that problem, greater investment in health care is essential.

What would you do to get more people to vote?

The level of cynicism our youth have is quite high, but it doesn't mean that they are not engaged. Over the course of the campaign, I have seen many youth get involved and ask questions. The Liberals plan to reform our democratic system so that this will be the last election under first past the post. We will study alternatives for a made-in-Canada solution that will encourage the participation of everyone.

What's a better use of federal dollars: fixing roads or building rapid transit infrastructure?

In Kildonan-St. Paul, the extension of Chief Peguis is imperative for economic development and to relieve traffic congestion. The north part of the city needs much better transit service. Transit should not only be for those in the south part of the city.

Would you support legalizing a small amount of marijuana? Have you ever tried it?

I do support the legalization of marijuana. Tax it, regulate it and prevent users from buying it from drug dealers on the streets.