About Uche Nwankwo, PhD

Accessible & Affordable Healthcare.

Manitobans need accessible and affordable healthcare. As a child, I benefited from a timely and affordable healthcare intervention. It is palpable to say that if someone is unaware of why and how a system works, there will be a high probability of neglecting or breaking that system. Massive cuts to our healthcare system and closures of emergency rooms by the PCs left the system underfunded and understaffed. The previous NDP government was in no way better in the handling of our healthcare system.

• I will advocate for innovative long-term solutions to our failing healthcare system. I care about you and your family's health.
• I will ensure that our healthcare is not neglected or driven entirely by profits as this will leave more Manitobans vulnerable.
• I will push for adequate funding of the healthcare sector and reduce all barriers stopping out-of-province trained healthcare professionals from practicing here.
• Instead of the usual band-aid approach by the PCs, Manitobans deserve an innovative long-term solution to our failing healthcare system, and I am focusing on this which is one of your priorities.

Our economy is failing most people, especially the youth and marginalized. It is in dire need of an innovative approach to revenue generation. I am offering that option.

• I will foster an innovative approach to revenue generation; not the usual syndrome of 'cut tax here, increase tax there'. We will proactively think outside the box.
• As an Agricultural Economist (PhD), I see underexplored potentials in diversity and small business start-ups to generate additional revenue. All hindrances that make our province less attractive will be focused.
• Young entrepreneurs are moving to other provinces due to a lack of incentives to establish, and marginalized groups face serious hurdles accessing resources for small business start-ups.
• We need real change and creativity to ensure prosperity for all Manitobans. If the same parties that have shortchanged your prospects are elected, the same unacceptable outcome will occur.

Constant road patching is a testament that we are not getting it right when it comes to durable roads. It is a source of growing concern. The overall economic/health impacts of potholed roads and the spiral web of road patching are huge. I have made consultations on how we can deal with this challenge.

• In March 2022, 324 pothole-related claims were reported while about 23,000 potholes were repaired in April 2022.
• It is obvious that in terms of Manitoba roads, What you pay for is what you get”. The repeated excuses for our terrible roads don’t tell the full story. There is a way out.
• Like in every key sector of our economy, PCs often prefer a band-aid approach.
• The NDP cannot be trusted on giving Manitobans more durable/safer roads due to previous broken promises.
• Long-term plans and more investment for Manitoba roads are required.
• I will also focus on strengthening monitoring, quality assurance, and oversight functions.

Some seniors grapple with the daunting choice of whether to buy groceries or medications. Others are afraid of losing their accommodation due to high living costs.

• I will focus on community-oriented and home-based facilities that promote the dignity and social aspect of community living.
• Many seniors do not wish to be treated as experimental patients in a care home. I will consult and re-engage broadly.
• Our healthcare system is understaffed. Those in the system are experiencing burnout. People in long-term care often are more vulnerable.
• A long-term plan is needed to address these predicaments, including affordable and safer homes. Seniors deserve better than short-term alternatives.
• I will consult and re-engage with seniors to determine the best option. Those who are faced with challenges can help in finding the best solution.

I am fondly called Focus by family and friends. Focus originated from photography. I relied on amateur hobby photography-turned into a business to raise funds for my education.

• Accessible, affordable, and quality education is a fundamental human right, not a privilege. The PC government introduced massive cuts to our education system, and the impacts linger.
• Many families are concerned about the education quality and some families are considering leaving our province because of this apprehension.
• We haven’t forgotten the ill-conceived Bill 64, which was abandoned after Manitobans rose up to stop it.
• I will advocate for a robust investment in education to train a skilled labor force needed in all critical facets of our economy.
• I will consult and engage all stakeholders to determine the best strategy to improve our education system.

Other Important Issues I Heard while Door knocking:

• Schools and community centers closer to our neighborhoods. Community centers where children, parents, and grandparents can enjoy active living. A traffic light on the intersection of Tim Sale Drive and Waverley.
• More green spaces and playgrounds in South Pointe and Prairie Pointe, more and regular bus service in Prairie Point neighborhood.
• More tree canopies especially along the trails where seniors and children engage in outdoor living activities.
• The obnoxious odor from the Brady landfill is making outdoor living experience for community members a nightmare and must be addressed. I have organized community members and we held consultative meetings with government officials and managers of the landfill.
• Security and safety concerns around our homes and streets. More trees to mitigate climate change.
• The growing number of people experiencing homelessness sheltering around University Crescent/Pembina Highway/Bishop Grandin.

I am already working on some of the challenges by consulting different stakeholders and engaging the relevant elected officials whose public service mandates extend to these issues. By electing me, you are giving me the mandate for more action.