It does not matter who won the election. From my experience both elected governments either Federal and Provincial break their promises.

Are the NDP prefect?? No, but they are better than the alternative (my opinion) and those that faced the weather proved it yesterday.

Could they do more?? Yes, always, but people need to be more involved and not just let a few table thumpers from the extreme be the only voices heard.

Be involved!! And remember regardless who you vote for, you always elect a government. And once you are government you are guaranteed not to please everyone all of the time.

Valerie

Yay. Where do all the impotent people who vote for NDP come from? NDP winning the majority just tells me that advertising dollars we gave Gary Doer worked. (But that's ok. He'll make it upto us *cough**cough*) He'll give us some good tips on what to invest in. EH GARY BOY! You didn't advertise that in your little panflits. Manitobans need to realize that we are getting screwed. Our cherished Province should be fluorished with smart conservative like ideas. I say that because I am biased. Why am I biased? Because they make sense. Business men, with real ideas. Who will invest in our Province, not sell it out. Men who will realise how much canola crops our province has to offer, realizing the canola will be the next "oil". I guess I just have to move to Alberta. Did most of you Manitobans know that a McDonald's employee in Alberta would be considered middle class in Manitoba. Starting wage of $18 an hour. But no I guess you live in your secluded homes, and don't pay attention to anything but your own moronic voices.

The Conservative party of Manitoba failed miserably during this election. I think we're one more political cycle away from a new batch of political leaders who will truly speak for the masses. Like many of the past elections, this election wasn't even about the real issues - it was about appearances, buzz-words and gamesmanship. How sad that many voters still play into that. We've let another election pass without getting direct answers on the issues that matter to us most. It is shocking that the NDP have not only won a majority but have gained seats. This is the first time that I have to seriously consider leaving Manitoba behind. I've fought hard to raise a family and make a living in this province but this fight now looks futile. Manitoba will now "flourish" as the only have-not province in the west. Congratulations to all those that want to keep bailing instead of fixing the boat.

I am a little disappointed that the Liberals can't win the four seats they need to become a recognized party. I think that Manitobians have to stop being so submissive to the powers that be. While Mr. Doer had did a good job, he has failed to answer concerned citzens on the Crocus fiasco. Mr. Doer who is said to listen to the people have ignored over 33 manitobians who wanted answers. His answer has been silence.

Mr. Doer also had more money to run his campaign in comparison to any other party out there. Is this really fair to the parties? To the People?

I am hoping in the future to see a change of government that swings the liberal way. Manitobans need to reflect and perhaps give the Libs a chance to see what they can do for us.

I think that future parties have to get away from mud slinging and pointing out another parties failures. WE THE PEOPLE KNOW THE FAILURES BELIEVE ME! Opposing parties need to focus in the future of what they can do for the people to make a better manitoba.

My last point is the only candidate that came to our door was the liberals. The NDP and the PC were missing in action.

Cheers to a liberal future in manitoba

Manitobans .....give your head a shake !

As a Manitoba expat, I continue to be amazed at the complacency shown by Manitobans! Why do they keep electing tax and spend NDPers. Manitobans have no clue as to how much of their hard earned dollars are going to government.

The brain drain is unbelievable, there are so many Friendly Manitoba licence plates here in Alberta. I can tell you that we will not consider coming back until there is a new government

Some are blaming the PC loss on the "Jets promise". I think it showed the kind of boldness and vision that is currently lacking in government.

We will check back in 4 years and then consider ending out exile !

Why did the CBC decide not to air the 6th game of the Detroit & Anaheim series and insted cover a done deal election?

*** Comment from CBC Moderator ***

Watch the hockey game LIVE on cbc.ca/sports/

we've been watching this election from day one .we've always supported the NDP because the Doer Government.. party think of seniors needs, medical problem way to go Gary

We need good leadership...the vote should be for the most intelligent leader and the most well thought out platform. This is not Canadian Idol. We are voting on how we want our tax dollars spent.

If you want to think of the NDP record just look at all the crime in the city. Gary Doer doesn't care for anyone but himself.

Good Grief, the NDP are still fear mongering and finger pointing. Don'ter has done little or nothing about the problems that existed because of prior governments. He has had increased billion dollar transfer payments, user fees, taxes, hidden taxes and has pilfered the larders of Hydro.... Oh wait..... It's a crown corporation, so it's not theft.... it's BORROWING???
Doer has had more funds available than any other party and the NDP flaunters want everyone to be so grateful for the meager crumbs they have given us in return.
We're not that blind and Crown corps are just another way government can support the back room deals of make work unions, special interest as well as embezzle the tax payers dollars. Good Creative Accounting.... bad business.

Public ownership of Manitoba Hydro has become an election issue because of Mr. Doer's insistence that Mr. McFadyen's Tories would sell it off. He continually uses fear-mongering to discredit the Tories instead of being willing to stand on his own record. The problem for Mr. Doer is, according to today's Free Press article by former NDP Cabinet minister, Mr. Sid Green, Mr. Doer is prepared to sell off part of Manitoba Hydro to a small group of aboriginals who happen to live close to the Wuskwatim Dam site. The idea of public ownership of Manitoba Hydro has come from Mr. Doer, not from Mr. McFadyen's Tories.

If Gary Doer Took A Lie Detector Test Would He pass it?

Doer is a liar We have lost more doctors the last eight years than he's hired Just ask my wife who goes to the M.S. clinc and waits one year to see a doctor and then it's for ten minutes because the doctors has 30 people
wating I want doer to come down to the M.S.
clinc and tell us that things are getting much better

I do not want to spoil all of the good emails I have been reading, but I think we should take a minute out to call bull on Probe research poll released today. I for one do not think Doer is so well liked and I do not believe the NDP is going to win a majority. The poll taken by 800 voters across Manitoba is a joke, there are at least 500.000 voters in Manitoba. So give me a break Mr. Mckay your poll is bull. Right mow as we speak the NDP are worried about the possible loss of ridings to the Liberals. Fort Rouge, Wellington, The Maples, and a couple of split votes in other ridings and the Liberals could have five to six seats providing the voters of these riding do not wimp out at the last minute. Not to mention the Conservatives will win their traditional ridings back such as Laverydre, Assiniboia, Kirfield Park, Possible in Riel, Seine River, Radission, Rossmere and a couple of other ridings. Guess what were in a minority government. Polling should be banned during elections campaigns. There never accurate and rarely right with their so called scientific polling. The only poll that counts is on election day. From what I have seen none of the Parties deserve a majority from us. So to the Liberal voters do not wimp out. Vote with your heart.

Randy, I both agree and disagree with you.

House prices in Manitoba have risen mostly due to the fact they have been undervalued for so very long. This is likely the market correcting itself.

Take a look at the projects that are driving the construction boom Randy. You'll soon discover they are a disproportionately government related projects. This is not a sound and sustainable model. We cannot sustain the related jobs without private investment.

Not sure about why enrollment is up. Maybe it is because of the Doer government and the tuition freeze. That may actually be the bigger problem Randy. Talk to the students themselves. We are actually short-changing those same students (or risk that in the next short while), as the QUALITY of that education is in real danger of becoming sub-standard.

Etc., etc., etc... Okay, Doer has actually accomplished something during his 8 years in office. Any government would have with such a dramatic increase in revenues.

Randy, consider this: Doer and the NDP are promising things today to fix the health care system, justice, schools, infrastructure... They are throwing big bucks at many of these issues. Answer me this: why now, eight years later, and on the eve of an election? Why not gradually over their two terms.

Does this not give you pause? It is not a well functioning government.

I completely disagree. The facts still stand. More money not earned by the government but given, Hydro and transfer, increased taxes and user fees.

Yes some benefits have been incurred but Doer didn't earn them, he gorged himself at 2 free money trees not available to previous dynasties. So to brag about spending what he did not earn is pathetic, reckless and just plain irresponsible.

In 2000,a married couple in Manitoba with a combined income of $30,000 would have had a provincial income tax bill equal to 85% of their federal tax bill.
In 2006,that same couple earning $31,000 paid 95% of their federal tax bill in provincial income taxes.

How about looking at the western provinces personal tax exemptions for this same couple in 2006.
AB. -$29,798.
SASK -$18,037
B.C. -$17,202.
Man. -$14,865.

Let's also look at the different western provinces and what income level they consider this same couple middle income.
AB -NO LINE(10%)
SASK -$37,579(13%)
B.C. -$33,755(9.5%)
MB. -$30,544(13.5%)

Considering the massive increase in transfer payments to this province in the last few years,(this year exceeding Quebec per capita) we should be doing a lot better.I would give the NDP credit for the $75.00 they gave me back this year for my three children but they charged me $77.00 for my three year old daughters chicken pox vaccine.

Who says we lead all provinces in total taxation? The Maritime Province don't have a PST because they joined with the GST to create the HST. Alberta is the only province that I know that doesn't have a PST.

So why did our housing prices soar over the last five years?

Why is the construction industry booming?

Why are housing starts continuing as they are?

Why is enrolloment up at post secondary Schools?

New arena with serious talk about replacing the Stadium. New development downtown. A new wind farm creating clean energy with more on the way. More jails? Headingley expanded, new women's Jail on the way as well as expansion at Milner ridge. Schools? The new Red River Campus downtown, expansion on the way at the Universities. New High school in West Kildonan. Balanced budgets, under the rules that were created by Filmon.

Any one would like to disagree?

Dawn you can't be serious. This rhetoric has to end. Your taxes have not gone down you poor thing - wake up and understand that Manitoban's lead the provinces in TOTAL taxation. Several others don't even have a Provincial Sales Tax let alone the endless levies, fees and surcharges (and other methods of removing "after"-tax dollars we have left in our pockets). I would rather have a computer select our next premier rather than misinformed people - maybe that's in the future. I won't even comment on the WRHA. Crocus? Do you know anything about the complicity of the NDP? If you had their participation and level of involvement in decisions and direction taken by the fund managers then you'd be in jail right now. The tax-payer loses again. You're probably used to and comfortable with that conclusion. That's why it's time for change - a change in the public attitude and expectation from government, more than anything.

It amazes me that you still find room to go back and point fingers but you fail to recognize that Doer has not rectified the problem. I am stating the problem still exists. Doer has had almost double if not more the revenues by increased lottery revenue, Federal transfer payments and taxes through increased fees, gas taxes, yet our roads health care and other essential services are still pathetic.

The housing prices went up not because of the booming increases in job creation. The only jobs increased are government and union or special interest. Please get your facts straight.

Surely you don't even believe that Dawn. Every government inherits previous government legacies.

Gary Doer and the NDP have had eight years to fix that which ails the RHAs. He has not. Are you telling us the RHAs were in such terrible state that Doer could not fix it in those 8 years? Do you say that with a straight face?

And the Crocus debacle occurred under Doer's watch. The NDP did not create Crocus but they stood by and did nothing while it burned and thousands of Manitobans suffered losses.

You might check your facts on taxes. It has been widely reported that user fees (a tax to be sure) and other "hidden" taxes have increased under the incumbent government.

Gee Pat - everything you moan and complain about in your post were creations of the PCs.

Crocus, the Regional Health Authorities - wasn't Hugh McFayden the policy chief for Filmon when they were created?

That has been the bane of this NDP govt - having to spend so much time cleaning up the mess they inherited. Meanwhile the value of my house has increased substantially since 1999. So has my income. My taxes have decreased too.

I have been watching the news, reading the papers and listening to just about every piece of information available to identify the agendas of the candidates. It appears Doer is feels untouchable. In the discussion last night all he did was call names, point fingers and fear monger. I felt like the disgusted parent for his bad behavior. Doer didn’t even respond cohesively to any of the questions or issues either the PC or Liberals put forth. Smoke and mirrors, baffle and bull***t. It was immature and irresponsible I don’t believe anyone with any ounce of regard for their own intelligence would want this immature reckless boy as our premier again. I’ve seen children play more appreciatively than Doer; even they know polite conversation and respect. The fact is Doer is no different than any other politician when taken out of the caucus and has no fear of being held accountable; he gets cocky and becomes a bully. His records do stand by themselves in SHAME, and deceit. Remember the admin fees on your Gas & Hydro bills for all the delinquents who don’t pay? Why are the funds now being pilfered not used to reduce our bills, instead of paying for Doers pet projects? The WHRA is a sham. Did he dismantle it and give the money back to the front lines to afford better front line care? Did he bring Crocus to bear for the heavy losses to save the regular tax payer and investor? If you truly believe there were no tax dollars involved, look at the multimillion dollar legal bills that will be paid to try to save Doer and his lackeys butts when they knew all along. Investor loss? No Managerial embezzlement and misappropriation of funds? Can you say Jail? The justice system we have that Doer says he has no control over, he should get a slap on the wrist and everyone will be patronized with the whooo hoo finger should he get off. Believe me he thinks he will because YOUR tax dollar she’s been collecting for his pet projects (personal defense) are going to ensure it. Aren’t we Proud?

When will the Federal Government, which includes several MPs from Manitoba, make the changes to the Criminal Acts and the Youth Offenders Act to direct the whimpy judiciary to hand down serious sentences, instead of laugh at the victims and their families? When will every level of Government, but especially our Provincial and Municipal levels realize that letting old neighbourhoods decay (not forcing landlords to repair and maintain their slumlord buildings) and pressing owners to bring their homes to at least fire code ratings? When will the Province take advantage of the 140 years of annual Northern Migrants to Winnipeg, and let them rebuild and profit by rebuilding our inner city homes, employing and training them in construction trades? Kids can't find enough Journeymen to finish their apprenticeships. Training them without completion opportunities frustrates. Trained, they can return to the burgeoning North where their skills will be well-paid. Vision? What Vision? They can't see even after 140 years!

I've read the articles about Doer trying to manipulate the arenas and agendas for any reasonable debate. I am not surprised that politicians do this. What surprises me is that the people who organize this allow it. Have a couple of debates….. have the parties that do wish to debate clearly and about the issues that matter. If Doer (Don’ter) doesn’t show up, it will be a huge red flag to indicate he’s clearly not prepared to deal with the next 4 years. Anyone who has put himself that high on his own pedestal deserves to fall, just like another cocky politician named Filmon.

Filmon was not one of our more shiny penny’s, but I can tell you Don’ter’s following in his steps.

I am absolutely appalled at the voter apathy as well as the uninformed glaze filled eyes they are looking to Don’ter to pull more money from the magical
tree he has growing from our taxes.

If the population of Manitoba is that wrapped up in inertia that they cannot even vote to save their own sorry hides then pox on them. We then deserve Don’ter and his wee minions that like to rule through apathy, misrepresentation and poverty. Which is where the taxpayers of Manitoba will be in 4 years.

The only thing I've seen the PC's promise are things that in their view are guaranteed to win votes regardless of the cost or long term benefit to the province. The Jets... who doesn't want the Jets?? Better yet, bring back the Winnipeg Fury while you're at it. Cut the PST, wow I hate PST! Who can argue with that?? Eliminate the middle tax bracket, wow that totally helps people in the bottom bracket. The next PC promise should be "Every Manitoban gets a puppy!".

The NDP's are doing what they can to keep the youth in the province now by offering very sexy tuition rebates for those who stick around after school.

I like the fact that on my salary I can live comfortably and still have enough residual income to invest in my future, when if I take my same job to Toronto, Calgary or Vancouver, I'm eating Kraft Dinner in a 300 sq ft bachelor apartment.

I am by no means saying they're perfect but NDP did have a big mess to clean up and they are bringing us to a more sustainable future - environmentally and economically. Now let's talk about "Spirited Energy" ... those banners look nice. Well worth the $2 mil. *sigh*

And Liberals? Their promises are on the opposite end of the spectrum of the conservatives guaranteed-to-be-popular promises. A "Have" province?? Come on guys nobody even knows what that means!

Green? Find some candidates in my riding and I might consider you.

I also must admit my knowledge of provincial politics is not as up to snuff as it should be, but as voter, this is how I see things right now.

This is indeed a tragedy. I fully expect community outrage, justifiably so. When is enough enough?

Earlier this election, after a law and order platform was offered by the Provincial PC's, Dave Chomiak and the NDP sneered "Crowns pursue the best sentences they can get under the law. But if federal laws don’t change, they are hamstrung." Translation: It's not our fault.

Last year the Federal PC's introduced a strong new law and order platform. It was nullified by all opposition parties, including Manitoba MP's from the NDP and Liberal parties.

It's all about accountability. The governments of the day, Provincial and Federal, had bloody well better get their act together before one more innocent life is lost.

What an incredible waste.

It doesn't really matter does it? Winnipeg will vote them back in because they have no memory beyond a year... I seem to remember the first go round of promises that got the NDP elected first time... They were going to cure all the health care problems.So after 2 terms, any change? any? But same promises. they promise more doctors every 4 years, more nurses every 4 years, more, more, well one thing is for sure... more debt!!! What goes on with MB anyway?

Seems we can start over every 4 years and nobody notices? You people in there have any memory beyond last week?

You actually believe that stuff about people not leaving the province for the west any more and actually gaining people? Good joke out west that one is... the talent is leaving and is replaced by immigrants that will also clear out soon as they are ready to! Well you should hope your kids leave, because if they stay in the have not province they will be the ones paying for eternity to get out of debt from all the great mega projects that are running on borrowed money!

Where do you think all the cash is coming from? Think the private sector is building that senseless flood way improvement that isn't needed? Figure out yet that building only part of it, as they are now doing doesn't do the job as advertised?

Think they will build those nice offices for MB Hydro. Think they will build those dams and then give them away? Not likely... But the NDP will. It's like giving a kid a visa card, and somebody will have to pay it someday. So enjoy all the "free" stuff the NDP hand out, but hope your kids can go west and actually have a future and not get stuck paying for it! Too bad the opposition is so lame or these guys might have been booted long ago.

Tell your kids to get there wallets out! Not me though... You guys can keep em. I'm one of those who escaped to a have province and all is good!.

That ship has sunk compared to the rest of the fleet! get off the island and check it out!

Good luck!

An innocent woman lost her life today when she was hit by two punks driving a stolen vehicle. Will Doer even comment on this latest tragedy? Will he hold a press conference announcing he's finally doing something about this epidemic of auto-theft by repeat offenders? I doubt it. I truly hope this family holds our current government accountable for the loss of their loved one to what can only be described now as an NDP sanctioned crime-spree. For those that take the position that it's not the politicians that are at fault - that it's the non-partisan judges and judicial system - then hold them all accountable. When is this dangerous situation going to be rightfully addressed? I say that time is right now - election time - by ALL these party leaders. Hugh - where are you? What are you doing? Enough about the JETS. Start speaking to the real issues and make an issue out of this before you are seen as just another political blowhard that in the end effects no real change at this time of crisis in our society. And a tip to all of the leaders speaking in the upcoming debate - speak English, not politics - we're sick and tired of that. By English I mean - you're either going to lower our taxes or you're not - state your intention and state it clearly. You're either going to start removing dangerous, repeat offenders from our streets or you're not - which is it? If you're going to blame the feds then tell us that you're going to camp in Ottawa until something is actually done this time. And whomever wins - we the people now expect weekly progress reports on the issues that are important to us so be prepared to face a population that is growing tired of the game of politics.

All election long we’ve heard one party after the other taking shots at each other. Rarely was truth an element. The trouble with this is there never was an opportunity for good debate and challenges to the factual errors (lies).

The election so far has been an incredible disappointment. I have not seen a real plan from any party. Sure there have been lots of disjointed promises. Most are promises du jour intended to pander to special interest groups. But no plan. No vision.

The latest insult comes from Gary Doer and the NDP. To decline n open, live debate is cowardly and arrogant. We have so few chances to hear how our leaders respond when confronted with facts, to have one party scuttle the effort gives me pause to wonder. Does someone have something to hide?

Come on Mr. Doer. Play nice.

This is certain to elicit commentary from Doer apologists. I ask only that you arrive with cold hard facts.

I don't understand how the posters to this site can say that Manitoba is better off under the NDP. Manitoba has become a have not province which is reliant on federal transfer payments and borrowing from Manitoba Hydro to grow its economy. The province's major projects are all taxpayer funded i.e. floodway, highways, hydro development and others. We have to wake up to the fact that the only sustained economic growth with come when we dump the NDP and move towards a free enterprise economy.

How can anyone say that the NDP have slashed taxes? That's akin to stating you are bailing the boat with a pail full of holes.

What about the fee increases, user fees for city parks, water rates, the lack of road repairs and I've re-iterated this over and over again. Yes Filmon had the WRHA, but Doer did nothing if you all were so flippen unhappy with it along with Doer..... then why in heavens name did you let it continue. That's just plain finger pointing... real solutions mean results for the ongoing continuous complaints. Apathy yes.... because we have all endured the garbage in garbage out mentality of the politicians. Doer had his chance blew it, spent us into unmitigated boredom and then cries when he is held accountable for Crocus, property tax increases etc....... give us all a break.

Passionate about politics, you bet. Biased probably a little, but have been on both sides over the years,(right to left) and have come to the conclusion that our worst enemy is the apathy of the people that is all around us. I do believe the NDP has done more for this province in the last eight years than the previous Filmon government and I don't consider the platform put out by the current sweaterboy any better; spend spend spend, to be followed by cut cut cut. His plans sound (to date) totally unrealistic. Yes Mr. Doer is taking the middle of the road, but that is what most people want; they don't want .... radical change either left or right and what exactly is meant by radical change anyway? Justice... what is radical? More jails, doesn't seem to solve the problems in other countries why would it here? Taxation, actual I think the NDP have done an excellent yes you heard it all you nay sayers excellent job in that department, NO taxes have been raised, in fact small business tax has fallen, education tax on farm land has fallen, AND they even have a goal to reduce the small business tax. Cutting Government? government is those who pass legislation and make changes.. Bureaucracy is the level that implements these changes, and are a buffer zone between the people and the legislators. So what do we want to cut? Bureaucracy? then complain when we don't have enough health inspectors, environmental officers, etc. etc. etc. The only radical change I on my wish list is the gutting of the Regional Health Authorities Bureaucracy, so all Manitoban could be better served.

I have breezed through most of the emails and most are very good. The guy who said lets put a NDP---liberal minority is right. Its obvious that we all do not think any of these leaders are good enough to get the job done. Its the Moe, Larry and Curly show. You put the names with whatever leader you want. Its all the same. The minority government in Ottawa is working pretty good for the people right now, so lets follow suit and not give any of the parties a free ride for them and their friends.

I'm happy to respond Edward. I am having difficulty understanding your point(s). The fact Mulroney was in power federally at the same time Filmon was provincially seems irrelevant to me. What was relevant was the economy at the time.

I'm amazed when I see posts about activities 10 - 20 years ago visited upon us today. It's almost as if the intervening years did not happen. Its almost as if the parties in power since then are immune from blame.

If the GST is evil, why then did the Liberals not eliminate it while they were in office for oh so many years. Ditto the WRHA. The NDP had 8 long years to make it right. Guess what, it's not. Should the NDP be held blameless?

Everyone is free to vote based upon happenings 20 years ago and fear-mongering about what might happen in the future.

I'll vote on our needs today and promises for a better tomorrow.

11 days and counting.

Good Morning,

I believe we all regret Mulruney or Moroney as you so quaintly put it. It's pretty much a given.
You cannot believe the Liberals or NDP have anything to brag about. They certainly did not get rid of the GST and Filmon Fridays you have pointed out. So why would we honestly keep some party who has not even learned from previous parties mistakes? That's truly sad. It's a take turn event with the winner being the one who has not screwed up in the recent past. Mr Sticky Fingers Premier has had his chance. Let's see the next circus act. We're bored and apathetic to the current drama.

Mr Hogan

Do not forget the filmon years also had the feds with Brian Morony in power who's done Canada in big debt By buying air buses and so many other things that put us away back. They are the ones that started the GST and they almost lost the PC statis.

The only reason they are in power is that they had to joined the reform party and as for the grits they did not much work either.

And back to filmon day he is the one that started the filmon Fridays and mcfadin was in the back ground with filman and we were not born yesterday.

I have traveled extensively across Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario during the past four years or so and I could not help but notice that everywhere is booming except Manitoba and any investment in the province all seems to be government, not private enterprise. I also take issue with Gary Doer's laissez-faire attitude about Manitoba being a "have not" province as well as with our young people leaving Manitoba in droves for greener pastures in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and BC. When will the Gary Doer and company wake up and start governing on what's best for all Manitobans instead of governing based on their idiotic ideology?

I have been pondering the weighty problem of our judicial system…… I say we should all review the Code of Hammurabi.
After I finished laughing at the audacity of the first 14 – 20 codes and punishments there-in, my less human side thought this could have potential, for both political and judicial applications.
Take a visit and see for yourself
http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/MESO/CODE.HTM

Mr. Hogan you're a good moderator. I hope people gleam something from the banter here and recognize that it's not about political gamesmanship anymore - the stakes are too high at this point in our societal evolution. Serious change is needed now. We need to get past the rhetoric and conjecture and focus on the real issues. Not to be redundant myself but I will again suggest that those issues are justice, taxation and the degree that government has injected themselves into our lives. Thanks.

Edward, a quick observation or two...

You can't say we would be better off today with the MTS had we kept them, because no one knows. We could just as easily be in dire straights as well. Remember, the new owners have invested billions of dollars in that company.

Ditto the nurses, for the same reasons. Times were different then. We have no idea how the NDP would have handled it then, nor what would have happened if the PC's had an extra billion dollars to play with way back then.

Perspective.

I've been away from this particular blog stream too long. Allow me a moment...

I've been trying to figure out the allure of Gary Doer. Glen Hallick may have nailed it for me: "The guiding principal of Doer's government is to do as little as possible that would upset the electorate."

Roseanne, you sound very passionate. Good for you. My concern about your post is my fear that you've fallen into an all too familiar trap - believing everything you've heard from the NDP.

You mention health care and inflation. I can assure you that inflation is not the culprit in spiraling costs. A factor indeed.

While the Filmon government may have saddled the NDP with the WRHA (and related bureaucracies), Gary Doer and his NDP party have had 8 years to undo it.

You mention school boards are a good thing. Okay. But no one has said they'll do away with them, they just want to reign in the spending. Gotta admit that's a good thing also.

Don't lose the passion Roseanne.

Rozanne I think you're missing my point. I'm not a blowhard for the Conservatives. I'm not trying to play politics with anybody. We simply need real change. We do not need the level of government and bureaucracy that has grown around us the last 30 years. The Conservative's are the only party that recognizes the need for less government and especially program redundancy and other inefficiencies. They have been in power with a minority for little more than a year. They are the only party that gives me hope that real change can be effected and especially in the area of Justice and taxation. We need to give them a chance. If you are aware of another party that exceeds their platform and integrity for same then please inform me what party that is - I will vote for them. As far as healthcare goes - Doer's certainly not to blame I agree. However, increasing the billions we throw into this bottomless pit is not the answer. How about re-introducing personal responsibility? Like maybe addressing the fact that we treat tens of thousands of people for diabetes that drink coke and alcohol daily? Smokers for emphysema (the name we made up for people that smoke for years and get older). How about the obese people that eat chips in the waiting room? It's time to get real and it's time for real change as opposed to defending the status-quo, which in effect seems to be your position. Thanks for your comments.

The NDP record after 8 years? For the most part it's unspectacular. Gary Doer is the Robert Bourassa of Manitoba. In other words Doer like the late former premier of Quebec goes to great lengths not to rock the boat on most issues. The guiding principal of Doer's government is to do as little as possible that would upset the electorate.

Hallway medicine is still with us, but when compared to the ineptitude of the Tory health care record even the NDP's window dressing comes off as looking good.

As for the Crocus Fund, well the cold hard reality is what corruption is there with the NDP in regards to the Fund? Too many people have been suckered in by the Tory propaganda machine. If anyone has really followed this particular story then it should be clear the NDP didn't kill the Crocus Fund as they pulled the plug on themselves. Did the NDP know about the Fund's troubles? Yes. What exactly was the government to do about it and WITHOUT violating any securities regulations?

On other issues Doer mostly tries to stick to his down the middle of the road approach. On one hand vilifying the Tories for any real or apparent extremism. On the other hand Doer gets very snippy at any one on the Left, especially those in the NDP, for daring to criticize him.

Once again we are in the mode of pointing political fingers. If they were so flippen great then why are we still in this mess? All the increased funds from all sources and we’ve accomplished squat. The NDP are just like the others just as pathetic and unreliable.

Good Grief the NDP has been in power almost 8yrs and we have achieved more taxes, user fees, higher entry fees to parks & other recreational facilities, higher water bills, etc. We still have roads that eat our cars, health care that allows us luxurious spacious hallways for rooms.
The YCJA with no teeth that encourages instead of deterrence so we can pay higher costs to insure our homes, cars, and get blamed when they are broken into so we can pay higher repair or individual deterrence costs (ie car & home alarms, clubs immobilizers) and taxes to let these poor souls free (sure blame the feds……. We have some lea way in sentencing by judges). Older delinquents (adults) that are just as culpable as the young ones without real consequence and allowed to maim, kill or terrorize because the system gives them social excuses to continue in their behavior, not discourage continuance.

We have more taxes going to the few who should be contributing back (work & welfare compromise) no actual strategy to enable instead of disable through politically social crutches.

Schools that are taxing us to poverty for special interests while our children are incapable of actually having a standard of success that is measurable, only one measured against oneself because the government didn’t want to push the teachers union?
Neighborhoods that see parents trucking their children to others because they won’t invest their time or dollars to upgrade and improve the environments they live in to encourage neighborhood safety or loyalty.

Sewers & drainage that’s polluting our biggest assets for years with no stop even sighted by anyone excepting the one lone minority party because it wasn’t trendy to care.

Get real.

Todd's comments amaze me, from "we need a radical change" well radical is not CONSERVATIVE, too Doer "has double the health care budget", but alas also double the bills with a little thing called inflation ie: wages, equipment, training, building, renovations, they all cost money, but your best comment was the status and size of the bureaucracy at the WRHA, well low and behold another Conservative mechanism thrust on the people of Manitoba whom the NDP have to deal with and volunteer board members have to deal with having no real power as the appointed (Filmon era) CEO's are still in control of the majority of these boards and hold all the power; hopefully after the 10 year review we can rid of these entities and go back to self administration by the hospitals themselves. And finally, his comment of how good a job good old Steve is doing for our country and how they get things done quickly what a laugh that is especially on the accountability promise that just got shot down the drain with the minister getting caught not claiming flight costs, and hiding behind the whip of the party, when question during question period. Jets, getting rid of the school boards (the school boards are your friends) but I guess the old spin doctors have been working overtime; they sure don't seem to have a clue what going on in this province.

One thing I remember when the pc's were in power, they laid off 1000 nurses and sold mts and if we still had mts under the provincial government we would profit from it.
I remember when the pc's cut here and there and when you tried to talk to the pc's they would not listen to you and they continue to ignore you and it did not matter how much you tried.

When the NDP got elected they restored lots of the funding in most and I have a hard time believing pc's will not sell Manitoba hydro or will not cut here and there again. Because they burnt us out to many times.

I look around me, at friends and neighbours, and you know we don't have it that bad. Anyone I know is much better off, over the past few years. I see a huge demand for housing, jobs are plentiful, and crime seems to be down, especially car theft (may have something to do with the immobilizer program). As a neighbourhood watch captain, I get the calls from the Winnipeg Police dept as to break-ins in the area, and the last couple of years, they are way down in numbers.

We've added a great facility in the MTS Centre in the downtown area, and the Hydro building is going to be spectacular. Exodus of young educated people has slowed considerably and there are a lot of investment dollars pouring in from Vancouver and Toronto.

There are a lot of right wingers out there who are hurting and desperately want to get back in power, as their pocket books are getting a little thin and they feel it's time to reload. However, I don't think this is the time that the pendulum will swing back in favour of the rich. There are still too many voters who think that " if it ain't broke, don't fix it".

Bring back the Jets...... why not promise a Stanley Cup with that as well?....

What's the plan Hugh. All the talk is you trying to out NDP the NDP. More cops, more prisons, more more more. And you are going to cut taxes as well! I see major cuts to the civil service coming. Back to frozen meals and frozen wages. Since you promised not to sell off Hydro unless every MLA is in agreement, how about the same for any Crown Corporation.

No vision, no plan, just outlandish promises that you know you can't fulfill.

I don't understand why all the campaign flyers and advertisements I receive slander the other candidates. I don't care what they HAVEN'T done for me, I would like to know what they are going to do and HOW they plan on doing it. I don't want to hear the same promises I keep hearing. I need to know what the plan is and how it will be implemented. I understand the candidates do explain there plans in debates, interviews, etc. but most people don't attend those or even care. I think that's the end of my rant... Thank you.

It's pretty weak to claim that the PC's are hanging their hat on the Jets thing. They are (federally and provincially) the only party that can be taken seriously on two issues - addressing the big crime and small punishment situation that we are ALL victim to and also REAL tax regression. The Federal Conservatives have shown us what a government can actually DO (and quickly)and not just talk. Who can say that about any recent government? That should give us hope that we can actually CHANGE the course that Manitoba is on. I say it's time to give this election to the party that is motivated for REAL CHANGE. The Conservative party. This election is different than past ones. We are at an ideological crossroads. You either want/demand serious change in our governance or, you are satisfied with superficial change (same old politics of talk and promise and no real action). We need to put criminals in jail and demand an efficient and accountable government that requires/expects less of our tax dollars for their "services".

During elections, and this one is no exception, there is lots of talk about "post-secondary" education. But what about K-12 education? K-12 education has been chronically underfunded in Manitoba for more than a decade. The only comment I have heard from the politicians so far is the NDP's pledge to fund school divisions up to 80%. This would be good if it wasn't for one caveat. A few years ago, the NDP govt decided to change its accounting policy for the property tax credit for homeowners and consider it part of education funding. So overnight they were able to boost their share of school division funding without spending one additional dollar. Now they are proposing increasing the property tax credit to double what it is. This will take them to the 80% pledge (or close to it) without adding one dollar to school division funding. They are playing a PR game with our children's education, and no one seems to notice, because you have to be an accountant to understand the scam.

Is hockey and football all the PC's can think of these days? They sound really desperate to get elected.

I find the PC platform is insulting.

I feel it's time for a change. The NDP have shown us nothing new. They have used creative accounting to show us that they are balancing the budget. They are relying on transfer payments and not provincial economic growth to move the province along.

I like to believe that everyone has a wish list and is entitled to it, be it one of fantasy or reality. However, I do believe that in politics there has been too much fantasy and far less reality to what we CAN do with what we have… vs what we Do with what we don’t have ergo the inertia for actually accomplishing anything positive.

I don’t believe a single political party at this table has anything but wish lists. It is part of the perception of the bloom being off this rose garden which makes the sheer frustration of what we CAN do unrealistic and the people’s perception pessimistic.

I am optimistic that we can accomplish anything given the right motivation. Thing is there is no motivation to be better excepting to get elected then cop a plea for all the reasons they didn’t accomplish what they intended. Where’s the politician with proverbial guts to do actually be something meaningful to the majority?

We have sooo much potential in Manitoba, but the politicians, special interest groups, lobbyists have choked the visions out of what CAN be accomplished.
I am looking for something tangible….. attainable… to which I can once again have some faith, albeit remote, in any given party that they are concerned about the majority – democracy…. not the status quo, that’s where my vote will go.

Lame? Weak? Of course it's a ploy for more votes. Every single promise made by a politician right now is a ploy for votes.

But you miss the point Carlos, a new NHL team will have to be independently financially viable else deep pockets will not invest.

Manitobans will not vote for a party solely on the basis of this pipe dream. But why keep yanking the rug out from under the dreamers?

I say let them dream. And let others think big. THAT is how things happen. That is how dreams such as the Human Rights Museum happen. Or a new arena or football stadium or rapid transit.

No, Manitobans are not stupid. But we have been held back by naysayer's for far too long.

It is time we started thinking that the glass is half FULL...

How lame! Bring back the Jets??? They never made money before, what makes you think they will make money again? I like them but really? Doesn't that sound weak? There are better things to worry about in this province than bringing back the Jets! How about infrastructure and lower taxes? I think that ridiculous announcement is just another ploy for more votes. Only a fool would use that as a reason to vote. Come on, Manitobans aren't stupid!

My son and most of his friends left Manitoba in their early twenties because there is just not enough business opportunities here. I stayed because I had a career. Until 2005 when Mr. Doer took my career away to follow the AJI. Not saying the AJI wasn't necessary but more that I was a loyal employee who wasn't even considered, in order for him to make political gains. Although my family and I have always been NDPers, we're all disgusted with them and won't vote for them. I hope they lose.

Not fair Paul. There are people who actually care most passionately for their beloved Jets. And they have every right to hold on to their passion. It is no less legitimate to them then any hobby (for example) that might be most important to you. What is so wrong with that?

I can’t tell you how annoying it is to hear people to say “only in Manitoba” or “only in Winnipeg”. I’d suggest you talk with the good folks in Pittsburgh, Quebec City and other cities where their sport franchises are/were threatened. You’ll quickly discover that we Winnipeggers and Manitobans are not so unique…

Lastly many taxpayers/citizens of this city and province actually do want to use their taxes to facilitate the return of NHL to Winnipeg. It may never happen, if put to a vote (plebiscite), but what is the harm in asking?

Ahhh the JETS!!!
Only in MB would people consider a team to exist 10 years after they closed there doors.
And only a Mb politician would think that the presence of a NHL team would keep a person of any age here. This shows how out of touch politicians are. The Government didn't want to use public money before (and still shouldn't)and the public didn't want to pay the true financial cost to support a team.

The JETS are GONE FOR GOOD.

Climate Change, Climate Control, Greenhouse Gas emissions, Kyoto Protocol. Nice buzzwords for politicians to flaunt and throw around to persuade voters to vote for them. But there's a nasty side to it. We've already paid dearly to fix Lake Winnipeg. We've paid even more for Federal consultants leading first to Kyoto, and now to the Conservative baffle-gab. But when the Province is pondering to adopt California Emission Standards, people should google all the issues that Americans, not just Californians have raised. Corrupt officials, refusal to test product compatibility (one director had shares in a competing product), GM forcing Ford to destroy its electric Ford Ranger Pickup trucks in California. Its a serious invasion on new innovation, not to mention the economic impact on low-income vehicle owners. We have more cows than cars and trucks. We generate 24% of our GHGs in the fields. Just how far will the Province go?

Good Morning,

I am truly impressed Mr Hogan, I have come across your comments in several blogs and admit you reflect a lot of the common grounds I believe we as Canadians have given away, allowed others to take away, or just grab.
The Governments, no matter the dictates have all had flaws, in so much as they no longer care about the majority. The Labour parties, particularly care only when the money taxed goes to their personal costs first (ie benefits & salaries) then the public benefits. The taxpayers of this city, province and country are tired of the whining, handout politics that do nothing to establish a healthy economy driven by the general good. That is not to say the labour and union are not good, but their needs come first. They are not the majority, neither are special interest groups or lobbyists. So why is it that the majority do not have a real political choice in these elections - meaning a honest choice? I am tired of the over taxation for personal gain / interest.

Leanne Rowat PC for Minnedosa area is from my home town and will succeed once again. Go Leanne.

Well said Todd, well said.

Neil, things may have been "lean" in the Filmon years but those were very different times under much more difficult conditions.

Dawn, you sound very jaded. I've read all the posts in this forum and I can't find the "made up" stories. Can you be more specific? You will probably agree though that all political parties take liberties with the truth and maybe stretch it a little...

I read the business reports last week. One thing that leapt off those pages was the fact that nearly half our economy is government connected. One can argue that is a good thing — when the economy is in a lengthy extended downward spiral. It is certainly not such a good thing when the Canadian economy is performing nationally as well as it has the two or three years.

Food for thought.

I couldn't disagree more with Jared's comments. You must be a very young person, Jared. Do a little research on the "lean" filmon conservative years. It'll give you nightmares...

What Dawn (below) and other left-partisans don't understand is that Manitoba and Canada need radical change in how we're governed. We need less government in our lives - not more. Raising dependents was not the intended role of government yet we have permitted that to evolve to this point of social crisis. People have lost sight of that. People need to take responsibility for their own lives and the government needs to be diminished in their assumed stewardship role. That is fundamental. We've appointed them and hired them to deliver our spoken needs - not create them. They are not business consultants (Crocus), they are not parents (CFS). You either believe that or you don't - and this is the fork in the road that will determine the quality of life for our children and society.

As a young person who has left Manitoba, I can say easily that Doer's version of MB is not the one that offers anything to me. Job security, adequate health care, and a diversified economy are important things the NDP just don't deliver to Manitoba. Also, the state of Aboriginal communities in Northern Manitoba is constantly overlooked (although this is largely a federal responsibility). Someone needs to step up and make Manitoba a place I want to come home to, or else I just won't.

Mssrs. Randy and Jason,

I invite you to read my post dated May 3. It has not been all peaches and cream under Gary and the NDP...

There was a tabulation of spending promises in yesterday's Free Press. The NDP and the PCs were pretty much lock-step in dollars promised. The Liberals were miles ahead. But you should ask yourself, of the spending promised by the NDP in 2007, where have they been since 1999?

Randy, I'm not certain what a prison fire has to to with a political party. Can ya connect the dots for me?

You know the conservative partisans on this forum would have more credibility if they didn't keep making things up.

Our taxes have not increased - the drop over the last 8 years has been the highest in recent Manitoba history and small business taxes will be lower here than in Alberta. Maybe people should actually read the Provincial Budget and the comments of economists rather than the trash put out by a tired and complacent media. BTW - almost completely ignored is last week's business press story that reported Manitoba had the third best growth rate in Canada over the last fiscal year.

Anyone who claims the NDP have not increased taxes has been living in a box cared for by the labour unions. They do not make up the majority of people in this province but they act like it.

All you have to do is look at the costs and dollars that NDP have bilked out of Manitoba Hydro, allowed the Crocus fund to collapse and not say anything. Use lottery funds to pad their own political agendas, not what the money was intended for, gas taxes that have been collected and not used to repair roads. Increased user fees on city of Winnipeg water plus a host of other hidden taxes you have all forgotten about, seemingly quite conveniently.
To allow such blatant disregard for public funds and to condone repetition of the abuses by another government to validate their pathetic excuses for keeping taxes high, is an insult to common intelligence and belittles everyone who trusted them to bring Manitoba into a healthy future.

They cannot continue to point fingers as it only highlights that which they themselves have not fixed in 8 yrs, with additional funding no less. So please let’s get the facts straight.

So far in this election I don't get the sense the voters being up in arms determined to change the government. The NDP can afford to lose 4 or 5 seats and still retain their majority. The Tories will reclaim their traditional strength in rural Manitoba, but that doesn't help much when they have the lion's share of the rural seats. The Liberals at best should keep their two seats. Despite the meanspiritedness between the NDP and the Tories, out of their deepseeded mutual hatred for each other, this election is rather lacklustre. It's downright boring. Yah there have been a great many policy announcements but NONE of the parties have offered a clear direction. They're too scared off ticking off the electorate. It's the triumph of timidity.

Keep taking your happy pills because nothing is further from the truth. Doer is putting us further and further behind. Do you not notice the mass exodus of young people from the province. What about his failure to end hallway medicine as he promised in previous elections. Why don't you ask why he has done nothing to change the fact that we are the highest taxed western province with the worst job creation. Now lets talk about corruption, as in his gov't coverup in the Crocus debacle. It is time to put this gov't out with yesterday's trash. They both smell up the place.

Are you kidding? Gary Doer stole the 19998 election by pledging to eliminate hallway medicine within 6 months! I repeat - he stole the election, not unlike how Chrétien stole the 1993 Federal election by pledging to eliminate "the much-hated GST". How that is not fraud of the highest degree and how they are not accountable for that is beyond me. Each of them would have won by a larger margin had he promised voters free trips to the moon. Back to Doer, he has had double the health-care budget to work with (4 billion) and the situation has worsened. His government certainly knows how to improve the status and size of the bureaucracy at WRHA though. The unions should be proud of this make-work project. Taxes have not gone down and the "improvements" downtown are an economic facade. They have been created with tax dollars and few if any of those creations are sustainable in a natural supply and demand economy (aka the real world).

Lets see here, downtown vacancies dropping, new condos downtown, new arena, taxes dropping and our economy third behind Alberta and BC for growth. Seems good to me.

As for the PCs building another jail. They let one almost burn to the ground at Headingley in 1996. Instead of bulldozing it they patched it up.

Gary Doer is the best conservative Premier that Manitoba has ever had. I have no doubt that he will easily win re-election and will give us four more years of cautious government and fiscal conservatism. The Tories, in an amusing twist, are making spending promises like drunken sailors. Fortunately, they are promises the Tories will never get a chance to keep.

I'm in St. Nob and I am limited to orange, blue and red out here, where are the other parties? I might have to go NDP because they look like the best supporters of education and best borrowers of Green policies. I'm not sure why the liberals run here anymore, their policies are in no way unique and they don't have a hope out here provincially anymore. I just hope in this electoral system they don't split the vote and get us a provincial Bruinooge Buddy.

Brick has been door to door asking for input and actually taking the time to discuss issues, she has also been active trying to make good things happen here over the last few years. I'm no big fan of the NDP and I haven't voted for them but this time through they look like the pick of the litter.

I hope the NDP actually do something NDP-ish like moving towards fair elections rather than this below UN standards first past the post electoral system. A little closer to real democracy would be nice.

All the policies from various party press releases seem doable, I guess politicians have learned that it matters if they follow through or not! We need enough time to get more doctors, nurses, teachers etc... educated before the demographic shift hits us broadsides. I remember the conservatives damaging that preparation and set us back quite a bit.

Can I suggest a policy for any party to steal that will make a difference- Ensure that all government contracts have to pass an ethical test so that we are not paying cash to companies who make weapons. we are ending up spending alot helping refugees from wars- kids in schools who used to be child soldiers etc... It would be good to do our provinces part in adding weight to those companies who do not deal in death, who knows, perhaps other folks would follow our lead?

International issues and “Defence” issues are federal issues- we should not be sabotaging canada’s peacekeeping efforts at the federal level by subsidizing the weapons manufacturers at the provincial level.

Hey CBC web designers - could you come out with some stats of who accomplished what, voted for what, showed up for work over the past few years so we can see what has been followed through on, and who is a good representative. Hockey cards might be a fun way to show the basic stats with a hot button on the card to go to more detailed info if folks require. sorry to ask so much but it is good to see who supported what and who shows up to work.

*Web developer's note:
We have almost completed a 'promises' feature which should launch early next week. stay tuned!

Hey Aaron, maybe it's the other way around - reflecting that the rural people themselves have given up on the NDP, Liberals and the Green Party. Ponder that. Furthermore, if the lack of people putting up signs is concerning to you then what does your vote represent anyway. People should concern themselves, politicians and voters alike, with the real issues and those are justice and over-taxation. There are few if any issues that trump these presently. I don't want a bouquet of promises on nonsense issues. We've reached a state of emergency on real issues and it's time for real change - not lip-service.

All I'm seeing in the rural areas is conservative signs. Has the NDP, Liberals and Greens given up on the rest of the province? Why are they allowing the PC party so much access and no challenge? For my part I'm not sure I want to vote, what's the point.

The NDP over the past four years... This government has largely kept out of trouble. With large increases in transfer payments from other provinces via the federal government, the taps have been open on spending. I wonder about the Crocus Fund and what they knew -- could they have averted the losses? I also wonder about the choices made with the extra 4 or 5 BILLION dollars this government has to spend EACH YEAR versus the bad old 90's when the federal government didn't shovel cash at Manitoba. Fears of collapse have caused major bridges on highways #1 (Portage) and #2 to be closed. A key north-south artery, highway #10 south of Brandon, has a bridge that is restricted to a single lane and is likely to be closed after the election. Our hospitals routinely can't help people because of a lack of Doctors. People from large parts of Manitoba are forced to travel to Winnipeg and out of Province/Canada for health care. Our provincial government is spending $9 BILLION per year. Nearly double the 1999 budget. So, about the NDP over the past four years, I wonder about their choices. I wonder about their priorities. Mr. Doer please don't talk to me about MTS, wonderful new arenas and stadiums and veiled threats about the dark and terrible things you ascribe to your opponents. Tell me why you deserve to continue making choices for the people of Manitoba when some basic responsibilities of our Provincial Government are clearly being neglected.

Good grief and good Lord!
To believe that poor labour is so hard done by and poorly treated, is laughable at best.
To believe that open market and private ownership is also horrible for the economy, you have to be joking. It is what offers us less expensive costs at the same quality of product. The only thing that reduces is the quality of work performed by labour instead of doing the quality job for the cost provided. You whine to the union to get a better salary than the private sector, then the next year you want more. If you actually had to compete for the job and quantify your abilities, like the rest of us, you would probably fall short just because your union's elongated whining wouldn't help. If you are that confident of your abilities, market them, you may even get a better paid job. Don't just whine because you couldn't get another easy ride.

Wow, two such radical and disparate views: the extreme left and the extreme right.

Allison, The only reason to look in the rear view mirror is to see what we've left behind. You say the sale of MTS resulted in job cuts? Perhaps. The trouble with that blinkered-view is we can't say how many jobs would have been lost in the old MTS. We can say with some certainty though MTS would NOT have become the third largest telecom in Canada had it not been privatized. How many jobs might that have created in River City?

And the notion that competition is undesirable borders on socialism. Leading into Katherine's view that if we continue along this path tax-recipients will surely outnumber tax-payers. This is a world you really don't want to enter. We are already dangerously close to fully half our economy dependent upon government - such as the government bureaucracy (i.e. WRHA), and construction projects such as the floodway and airport.

Fear-mongering about what might happen to Manitoba Hydro is pure speculation and counter-productive. We might as well imagine striking oil in South-West Manitoba...

This left-wing social experiment called Manitoba will soon reveal it's inherent weakness. When tax-recipients outnumber tax-payers, the gig is up. And it will then be perpetual because democracy will continue to give the socialists the majority. Then it's Ottawa's problem - so Manitoba does in fact have a future (if you want to be positive). The taxpayers are leaving to less punishing neighbours. Business's are leaving to the same locales. I think it's comical that some in this province see it as a strength when they go on strike and cause a company to close or relocate. The labour movement should have been buried with Hoffa however Doer leads a desperate bunch of have-not's to there rightful place in line - the front. The front of a bus that will have no wheels or gas as soon as the last few of us leave them to their own peril. Good-Bye fools.

The dumbest thing that could happen economically is two things in combination of one another, let the PC's run the Province and the sale of Manitoba Hydro. Look at what happened in 1996. The Provincial Government back then was the PC's or as I like to refer to them as Presidents Choice (PC).Premier Gary Filmon decided to sell the Manitoba Telephone System to private shareholders. Major mistake. Jobs were cut and continue to be. With this sale thus comes competition into the market.

Privatizing hurts the economy by taking the Corporate world out of the hands of the public, and then into the hands of the worst political party. I mean, I personally wouldn't trust them to cut my lawn yet alone cut my job! On May 22nd make the right choice! Save jobs and invest into the economy and the future of our youth and elderly. Vote NDP!

The question posed "What do you think about the NDP's record over the past four years?" should actually say 8 years...

When one considers the NDP has been in government for two consecutive terms now should alarm most Manitobans. If we look forward as Doer asks we might over-look the fact that precious little has really been accomplished during that time.

Witness their 2007 campaign promises:
* More police, crown attorney's and related incidentals: The current crime wave did not suddenly appear. Why didn't the NDP do something sooner? The NDP did say it is someone else's fault though.

*Improved health care: Again, health care has been a major problem yet hallway medicine continues to plague us. In 8 years the NDP DID change the way they measure wait times and how one actually is counted as part of hallway medicine though.

* Modernizing infrastructure: In recent weeks hundreds of million dollars have been promised for Manitoba roads and bridges. Why did they not craft a 5- or 10- year plan in 1999 to attack the infrastructure. Imagine how much further along we would be had they started then. Does the mega-million dollar pledge coming along just ahead of a provincial election seem a mite coincidental? Hmmm.

* Crocus... Pay attention to their rebuttals when challenged about what they knew and when. Note the mis-direction in their responses.

And this is but the tip of the iceberg. The good ship is not sailing along just fine.

More, much more, is required of a government.

Okay -- for arguments sake, lets say that the PCs were responsible for all the evil in the world prior to the NDP assuming power. The NDP has had 8 long years to fix things...

The government Manitobans deserve must be more innovative and aggressive. We cannot endure another four years of government treading water until the next election comes along to promise yet again stale old ideas, and then not deliver.

We're drowning here.

Gary Doer now says he's going to do something about our crime problem? You have got to be kidding us. That is outrageous. He's had 10 years to do something. The next provincial government had better start listening to the people and put justice and our safety ahead of criminals rights.

I don't necessarily trust any one of the parties Federally or Provincially to do what the people want them to, as far as getting tough on crime & making sure the Young Offenders & Older delinquents (Adults) are dealt with within the confines of the money the government is already using. Stop asking for more. The frustration of what we are forced to endure with the political agendas and manifestos which do not coincide nor advocate what we as citizens have requested. I often say we work for what we get, may not be what we wished for or wanted, but exactly what we worked for. We as Canadian people have allowed apathy to enable disabling politicians, judicial processes and corrupt individuals to scare us into complainers. I am still looking for some real way to change what exists, without a condescending or patronizing politician or judicial body telling me to stay at home & mind my own business because they know more than I do. Yet every time I see what they do, I am not allowed by the process to even impact what exists. We vote in people who start off trying to do well by their constituents, but as soon as they get in they are forced to conform by the already entrenched “Old Boy’s Mentality.”. Everyone screams change is good but as long as it doesn’t impact their little world to make it fair for everyone. What ever happened to just having a fair and equitable outcome for the majority. Isn’t that called Democracy? I consider myself part of the majority who want safer streets, criminals dealt with deterrence, then rehabilitation, roads that don’t eat my car, neighbourhoods which our families can enjoy sitting on the front stairs or by the fire pit. What is wrong with that vision? There is an opportunity to get at least something said In Pursuit of Canada's Worst of the Worst. Vote or nominate who you feel is or has been the worst of the worst for Canada or it's history at www.thebeaver.ca. It says someone even voted for Celine Dion now that's complaining.

It is all lip service. Politicians and citizens alike do alot of talking but I see very little intelligent action or big picture thinking. Very few people are committed to their community with a serious passion and those who are receive little to no support and burnout quickly. Unless a strong leader like Trudeau or Kennedy are able to change this culture we will remain a have not province.

It's time for a change in Swan River. Rosann has been Deputy Premier and really done nothing significant for the Swan Valley. In fact the Swan Valley has lost over 1000 residents since Rosann and the NDP have been in power. Her government shut down the CMHA Safe House. The PRHA Board which her government appoints forced the local hospital board into devolve. That same PRHA has done nothing to bring the Specialist wishing to perform cataract surgeries in our hospital to the Swan valley Health facilities. Highway Medicine is alive and well with Valley residents still having to drive a minimum of 2 hours for specialized health care.

Kirk, It is not just McFadden promising a new stadium. Doer is also.

While some may argue that new stadium's and arena's may be a frivolous use of tax payer's money try to keep in mind other tax payers want those amenities.

Consider for a moment that many want to improve their standard of living. If that includes going to a Bomber game at a new stadium or a Gwen Stefani concert at the beautiful new MTS Centre.

It can't always be about new roads and improving social programs.

Many said if the Jets can't afford to build their own arena they should leave. They did. And many thousands of Winnipeggers regret that to this day.

We must have certain amenities, facilities and attractions that will help retain our youth, to attract tourists and to just help us to feel good about ourselves.

You can leverage this and attract desperately needed new business and bring in new investment.

Why is the print and radio media completely ignoring the Green Party of Manitoba? Already they have put on two media events including the announcement the leader is going to run against Doer in Concordia, plus the announcement of their platform theme, which is "Rethinking Progress: Well Being NOT Growth." Measuring the health of our society according to GDP growth alone is what keeps deepening the social and ecological crisis we are sliding into. It produces a weekly cruise night when really we need to be getting out of our cars and onto bicycles and mass transit to respond to climate change. The Free Press chose to ignore the substance of the Green message in their article and the CBC website continues to read as though the only contact the CBC has is with the Greens' former leader, who left the executive over two years ago. It reads more like anti-Green propaganda and is certainly not based on an intelligent reading of the Greens' policies or platform, which the other parties are now parroting, but with little believability. Well, so long as we think democracy means a tick on a ballot every four years, we are going to continue to regress and not progress, and the media is going along for the ride, drinking the same crappy Tim's coffee and watching the same news themselves - and believing it. We could be more intelligent if we thought for ourselves, and found out all the parties' positions by talking with them, not assuming we know what they're up to, as the CBC website so biasedly does. Greens are the fastest growing party and someone - or their advertisers - doesn't like that...

Why is McFadden talking about building expensive sports complexes (i.e., arena)? You'd think we were living in Roman times! Hail the gladiators! If those Bombers want a bloody arena, then why don't they raise their own money and build one? If they want public funds for an arena, I suggest they move elsewhere. Manitoba has other more urgent priorities. McFadden and the PC's seem to be living on another planet. We should be focusing on making Manitoba more competitive - use our resources, manufacture goods, bring in more business and services, and trade with the rest of the world. You can't trade an arena!

You know who would be a great voice in the Leg, Grant Woods running for the Liberals in Riel. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Woods one day while he was door knocking and I would have to say that I was quite impressed. I believe he is one of the future stars and don't be surprised to hear his name in the leg or even on Parliament Hill. I suggest all Riel voters to strongly consider him when you make your decision on May 22. Also I would like to say is that I endorse no party and vote by person not by party.

We as voters should be judging on past performances of things that have factual statistics instead of on what may or may not be. We hire people in employment based on their resumes of past performance, not just on what they say they are capable of. Every party has a promise. Lets base our decision on past facts not just on promises of a better tomorrow.

Manitobans would do well to inform themselves of the future economic outlook for electrical power generation before they so flippantly hand yet another "golden egg" into private PC hands. There is no cheaper source of electric power than hydro-generated electricity and Manitobans enjoy the lowest rates in the world.

Over the past decade, Germany sought to create additional electrical power resources while at the same time increasing the revenue (hence the standard of living) of its citizens. To achieve this outcome, the German government subsidized solar power generation units for its citizens. Each solar power unit is capable of generating sufficient electricity to run a home, with the remainder being available to be sold to the country's power grid system for profit paid directly to the homeowner.

Imagine the power Manitoban's would have available to export to neighboring Provinces and south of the border and imagine receiving a monthly payment for the power you generated and sold to the grid. Its one of the most environmentally sound methods of raising the standard of living of citizens and successfully combating the ill effects of climate change that I've come across to date.

All the parties are promising all these gifts, tax credits, improvements to this or that service, and manage to avoid putting a timeline as to when, IF and After they're elected. So often, these promises are left to the end of their term in Office, and die on the Order Paper when the NEXT Election is called. In my book, a Promise without a date is merely a dream, otherwise it is a goal. One would think that these Parties' backroom boys and the leaders are clear about their goals and agendas for the survival and validity of their Party, perhaps they could be as clear about the Agenda and Continuing Validity of the Province's Goals and Needs!

Baffle-Gab and Political Double-Speak isn't a particularly functional lubricant in the ever increasing social and economic chaos occurring in the world, federally, and interprovincially.

One thing I am pleased with in the Canadian Political landscape is that we have yet to stagnate into a two-party system like our Southern cousins.

I too, would like to see the Green Party make strong gains in this election. The NDP have shifted right over the past decade. It seems to me that if Manitobans want an alternative to "business as usual", supporting an emerging party is the way to go. A seat would be fantastic, but, any Green gains will at least cause the other three to pay attention.

To start out with the Kevin who stated the ship is sailing fine with Doer. [...]. Doer is not doing a good job. One particular area is rent control. This is an issue that appears to be not very important to the political parties. Especially the NDP. If you check anywhere in Winnipeg today our rents are out of control. Young people in Winnipeg can not even move out of their parents place and start on their own, because of the NDP allowing the landlords to boost rent if they do minor renovations to their buildings. It is a small clause the NDP changed about 4 years ago allowing this to happen. Landlords are laughing at the NDP as rents are now allowed to go up if a landlord throws a sink and a carpet in a block, he applies to the RTB for an increase in rent for the entire block and they always get it. In case nobody has noticed the wages in Winnipeg do not meet the needs of a person to live in Winnipeg anymore. Rents are too high Doer. If you expect my vote there better be a rent freeze for the next four years. Landlords are rich enough.

I hope the Green party under Andrew Basham continues to grow. While I don't expect any seats, I would like to see a higher voter turnout for the greens. With Manitoba's clean energy potential, we need a party with a vision on how to tap into this enormous economic chance for Manitoba. What a great way to keep young people in Manitoba.... so why isn't this a prominent political issue? I would also like to see Manitoba have some form of proportional representation. While I predict a clear win for the NDP, maybe some power sharing wouldn't hurt. With a coasting economy, the environment and democracy are two issues we could and should be working on.

I totally agree will J.William Hogan. Who ever ends up in government will try and cut taxes were they seem necessary, but they will anger people. I think people should vote on the issues rather than who will cut the most taxes.

While contemplating decisions made a decade ago under considerably different fiscal circumstances, ever wonder why things have not improved since?

As for taxes, it is well known and accepted Manitobans are grossly over-taxed. The challenge for voters and politicians alike is to identify which tax cuts to target.

You can pretty much be guaranteed that some individual or special interest group will claim it is the wrong one to cut...

When deciding whom to vote for try to keep things in context and in perspective.

I value all the previous comments and have to say that there is no "perfect government". It will not please everyone all the time. In light of this, I do have to comment on the PC's previous reign. I work in health care and in the 90's there were many cut backs and then the creation of the RHA's came along (was suppose to create efficiency,remember). One more waste of tax payers dollars. The RHA's are so administratively heavy with RN's who are now managers it is no wonder we do not have any more of them on the floors providing patient care!

My other point is the fact that the PC's want to cut the PST by 1%, which totals millions of tax dollars. Doesn't that sound sweet, the only thing we are forgetting is that currently those dollars are allocated to providing some form of public program and if you do not have the funds anymore for those programs..... Cut! Cut! Cut! Yes we will suffer in some respect. We may not be a have province but things could be much worse. Remember Fimon Fridays!!!!!! Cut! Cut! Cut!

Keep that in mind when they also talk of private wine/liquor stores. Take a scan of the cost of alcohol in Alberta. Remember the government relies heavily on tax dollars from alcohol, too. Cut! Cut! Cut!

It must be incredibly difficult to be a politician these days. Each citizen and all the special interest groups have their own unique lists of things they MUST have and things they would LIKE to have and even a wish list of things that would be NICE to have.

How does one please all these people and groups?

In utopia we find a party that is capable of identifying what is most important to most of the people most of the time. And then that wonder party effectively does what is right, priority by priority, without diluting the effort.

Until then folks get involved, prioritize, and quit complaining...

Simply democracy. We need new people in the government. To keep our government clean and effective, it is time for a change. Doesn't matter if it is PC or LIB, either one is better than NDP in power for another few years. By the way, what is wrong about selling Hydro? I only see MTS becoming more and more competitive/efficient. Did you see your phone bill ever going up (after inflation adjustment) after MTS was sold? It actually went down. So what is wrong with selling Hydro?

A change to what? A PC government? Ouch! McFadden is in bed with Katz and Harper. Yikes! Perhaps it's time for a Liberal government or a minority with Liberals holding the balance of power. So far, I like what Gerard is offering.

Normally I would support a minority PC government but it would be terrible for Hugh to be our Premier. How can we trust him with our Hydro when he was one of Filmon's advisors when it came to selling of MTS and advisor to Mike Harris' slash and burn era. I know Doer's track record is poor, but Hugh would damage it even further. His policy announcements look like they came from a the Value Village Store of Political Policies. His phrases come straight from the mouth of Stephen Harper, Sam Katz and Ronald Reagen. The best choice for Leader is Gerrard without a doubt.

You know the old saying "Politicians & Diapers need to be changed, often for the same reason” That old adage hold true here in Manitoba.

I'm only hearing new ideas from the Liberals. The NDP wants to throw money at everything while the PCs wants to cut the PST and apparently rename existing programs (just like the feds!)? Too bad the province doesn't appear to have a credible green option.

If we were to get a minority govt. from this election I would prefer to see the PC's in power with the liberals in opposition. Doer and today's NDP are going to bankrupt tomorrow's Manitoba. Doer has had massive amounts of more money coming in from the economy and has spent all of it. Plus he has had to steal from hydro and the rainy day fund. All of this and the massive amounts of transfer from Ottawa. This man has never met a tax dollar he couldn't spend. Manitoban's are extremely hard working and honest people. We want a healthy place to raise our kids, job opportunities now and for them when they grow up. We will never get that until we get politicians to get the govt. house in order. Doer supported putting the pork plant on transcona's door step even though most were worried about the effects on the environment and people's health. We are the highest taxed province in western Canada (personal and business) so you will not see the high paying jobs we want for our kids because business will not set up here. We expect our govt. to protect us but he has failed miserably. He did nothing on crime until he called the election and now he has all these great ideas. If he were credible we would have heard of these majestic plans of his before the election was called. If you were to check out our provincial debt you would notice it has grown significantly since Doer took over. How can a govt. so rich in cash from the economy, crown corp's, rainy day fund and transfers explain a higher debt when they are supposedly running balanced budgets. His numbers just don't add up. Increased revenues and (supposed) balanced budgets should not equal higher debt. There is no way he could make ends meet if he did not get huge transfers from Ottawa (1.7 billion). Our province is on welfare folks and Doer will just keep going to Ottawa saying excuse sir, may I have some more. We have serious problems here and this man does not have clue how to fix them.

It is time for a change in government but I don't think Hugh McFadyen is the answer. If I had my way I would produce a NDP minority with the Liberals as the balance of power to keep the NDP in check and prevent them from making any more errors on Health Care. If the Tories are elected, more problems would ensure and the damages they would cause may not be able to be fixed. I don't believe in the NDP's crazy spending tactics but they do have some good points that come across. Doer is a great politician but a terrible premier and Jon Gerrard and the Liberals would be able to keep him from screwing up to badly.

I'm tired of the ideological fights between the main parties. I want to see action and less talk. Having said that, and to be fair, I feel Doer has done a much better job than Filmon in running Manitoba. Under Filmon Manitoba stagnated. I returned to Manitoba in 2001 after having difficulty finding full-time work as a scientist in Ontario. Now I am successfully employed with a consulting company and prefer to live in Manitoba, despite whatever problems there are.

I am disappointed that both the PC and NDP parties are talking about spending our hard-earned tax money on sports and arenas. Is that all they can think of? Enough already!Manitoba does NOT need another sports arena. There are other priorities.

I want to see Manitoba more competative and attract more business. I want to see more public investment on new well-designed modern infrastructure (we're tired of the old shanty-shacks philosophy!). Winnipeg has bridges and streets that must be replaced. We need a fast city-wide rapid transit system now - not 50 years from now. Our highways need to be fixed and made safe. I want 4 weeks of paid vacation like the Europeans (and why not?). I want to see Manitoba citizen- and family-friendly. I want to see Manitoba as a major tourist destination. I want to see Lake Winnipeg cleaned up. I want to see better support for Manitoba's farmers. I want to see more investment in apprenticeship education to fill trade shortage gap. I want to see youth graduating from high school that can read and write properly. Forget arenas and sports! Look under the hood and you will see there's a lot of work to improve things in this province.

It's sad, because everyone has their political beliefs. Some think that a different government will make things better, some think it will get worse. The sad thing is the amazing amount of people who believe that nothing will change, that's why voter turn out is low. Everyone (including myself) believe that nothing will change. I'm sure it doesn't matter what Province your in you will complain about the government. People are moving to AB for work when there is work here. MB is known as having low pay that's why they are leaving. What can the government do? Incentives for the companies so they can line there pockets more?? The new boss will be the same as the old boss.

Time to sell off Manitoba Hydro. The less government involvement in one's life is better for all.

My concern is the Winnipeg Charter Act Section 259 the Land Dedication Reserve. This section directs the city of winnipeg in the establishment of public reserve lands. The City Auditor audited this reserve in 2002 and made many recommendations. 5 years down the road less than 50% of these recommendations have been met. The auditors looked at the management of the funds in this reserve but neglected to look at the managements of the lands. Throughout all parts of the city public open space is being lost at an alarming rate. Viscount Alexander School Park, Bairdmore Park, Bergen Cuttoff, Toronto Street Community Garden, Millenium Gardens, Centennial Garden, River Ave. Garden, etc. etc. The province talks green, but when it comes to the environment they think that it is somewhere pristine, faraway and inassessable. Wrong, the environment is where we live, where we breathe and where we walk. Canada is one of the fastest urbsanizing countries in the world with over 80% of the people living in cities. The urban environment should be a healthy place to live. Public Open Space contributes to healthy communities. There needs to be an amedment to Section 259 Winnipeg Charter Act. The City is not taking care of Public Open Space. The Province needs give the city better direction in this area.

Headline: Legislation would prevent Hydro privatization: Tories

The Tories are going to go ahead and bypass the Canadian Wheat Board Act with regulatory changes that will open up the Barley Market.

Why couldn't the same thing happen with Hydro.

With regards to the sale of MTS
How long has it been since MTS and Allstream combined?
I heard a rumor from someone inside MTS that MTS head office and Allstream head office were going to take advantage of some synergies between the two, shuffle around and get rid of some redundancies. Makes perfect business sense. Why would you have to independent payroll departments for example.
Oh, did I mention that the redundancies are in Manitoba and operations are rumored to be heading over to Toronto.

Keep in mind that this is an unsubstantiated rumor, but if there is any truth to it... Thanks Tories for privatizing MTS.

Why is Manitoba the last Province to pay for routine infant circumcision? RIC serves no medical purpose but this fact has not deterred Mr Doer and a succession of Health Ministers. It may be of interest that across Canada ric is now down to about 16%, from nearly 60%, male births in hospital. Voters should stay clear of any party, not just NDP. that encourages what is now known as male genital mutilation. This is a very serious human rights issue involving the most vulnerable members of society, who cannot speak for themselves. So, Mr Doer, pick up your pen and scratch ric from Health Service payments schedule. If not, keep thinking 'ric' as you get closer to the grand opening of the Museum of Human Rights.

Conservatives with no plans to sell Hydro!?!?
I find that hard to believe, considering what they are trying to do to the Canadian Wheat Board.

From the gag order on the CWB, to letting go the CEO Adrian Measner and appointed Board Members for not towing the Governmnent Line, to the unrealistic 3 choices on the Barley Vote, the Tories can spin anything they want any way they want.

Sure they will promise not to sell Manitoba Hydro, but in the end, they will sell it.

Dave

The NDP has worked hard for 8 years to clean up the mess that Filmon and his Conservatives left behind. A free health care system is a difficult thing to manage and there is no easy solution but with the right people, it has been getting better and better. McFadyen's plan merely mirrors Doer's with no clear explanation as to how he will improve what is already in place. The only difference apparent is that there will be more cuts and layoffs. Instead of worrying about how much money we have in our pockets, we should worry about the quality of life ALL Manitoba citizens enjoy. If our quality of life improves via shorter wait times, environmental programs, affordable housing and education, then the Province can only prosper.

Nothing about seniors, What about Youth? We should be concentrating on keeping Young people here. At the rate we are going 75% of Maniotbas population will be over the age of 55.

This election severely lacks any vision from the party leaders. The NDP is running a 7 point plateform that will mirror their previous campaign. The PC's are jumping on the 1% tax cut wagon, and the liberals are fighting the fringe for offical provinical party status.

Health, Education, Safety are all important issues within our society. So is the environment, and how we commute within it. It's time to have someone step up and implement a radip transit solution in Winnipeg.We as a society are being ask to change how we treat our environment, so let's create a transit system that will get people of their cars and on to the sidewalks using a mix use system of buses, rail and bike paths. Who wants to lead the way?

semms like there is plenty of money for everyone but not a word about seniors. I'll check if we're on the voting list.

let us not foreget what happened when the pc's were in power in the 90's when they cut funding in so many parts of Manitoba and the sale of m t s and the fridays with no pay and the closing of hospital beds in Manitoba hospitals and we are still recovering from what happened at that time.
So when you VOTE do not foreget who you are voting for.

I'm waiting, the father of five with four still in the school system the economic promises to take our Manitoba into an era of a have Province are dragging and the young people cannot wait for a hoped for signal. What a wonderful platform citizens could support if families could be held together with action.

Energy,agriculture,aero space,health could supply some careers and employment opportunities.

Secondly, is the worsing image of Winnipeg as the crimes capital of Canda. Our justice system has been ignored, has colapsed under no protection and a safe environment. Gang and youth violence can be fixed by adopting part of USA and British models. When five thugs kill a citizens all five go to prison. Under our 'slim pit' crown prosecutor/trial lawyer system - four go free to get one. We spend millions on informant fees instead of justice industry efficiency. A collective of silence over the amount of criminal acts, incompetant bloopers by top down prosecutors who find willing police to produce evidence that is just BAD 'think guilt' win culture of evil.

Which leader will promise to bring in the recommendation of the Justice cory /sophonow solutions to the entrenched incompetant staff? which leader will promote the recommendation of the recent Driskell Inquiry to force all three leaders to Promise to get results from some $10 million in lawyer costs and lawyers wanting $20 million for driskell. Money that could support successful methods to make our streets safe.

Citizens should elect the candidate in their riding who will uphold the oath of office. To serve without 'fear' or 'favour'. Crime fighting leaders can turn this province around and family values will do the rest.

It is painfully obvious, that if your look at the polls Manitobans are in the same boat all of Canada is in. We are not satisfied with any of our leaders. Doer and McFadden are in a dead heat at 50 percent and Jon Gerrard is where the liberals have been for quite a while. We had 9 years of Gary Filmon and 8 years of Gary Doer and where do we stand. Nowhere. WE cannot give either of these leaders a majority as neither has a solid plan. WE need a minority government in Manitoba to keep the two majority parties in check. I am not a fan of the Liberals or Jon Gerrard, but I am willing to let him hold to balance of power with the NDP as I feel they could work together to make Manitoba better. If you look at the candidates the Liberals are running in Minto, Point Douglas, Inkster, River Heights, Fort Garry, Wellington and St Vital any combination of five of six of these ridings winning for the Liberals will probably mean a minority government. If you take a look at these candidates they seem to have the knowledge to help make important decisions in a minority government. Think about it do you want to go back to the Filmon clone of McFadden or do you want to stick with do nothing Doer. My plan is the best for our province. So if you live in the ridings I mentioned take a good look at the Liberal candidates and consider voting for them just in the name of having a minortiy government which trust me works for all of us.

Sadly, what I feel is the most important issue in the upcoming provincial election--keeping young people here in the province--has already been reduced to lip service and token quips by the party leaders and their websites. 'The young people are our future,' I hear time and time again. Unfortunately, that's ALL I ever hear.

I understand that making Manitoba appealing to educated young professionals is a difficult, complex proposition. But all I ask is for adequate opportunities to make use of my education, the possibility of affordable, urban living, and support for debt-saddled post-secondary schools. In this regard, after eight years, the NDP receives only a passing grade.

As of yet, no party has outlined any type of detailed plan for a Manitoba I can afford to call home. A soccer complex is not the answer, and I'm not a nurse. Is this the breadth of our leaders' innovative ideas?

I'm listening, Premier Doer, Mr. McFadyen, and yes, Mr. Gerrard. Somebody please talk to me.

Kevin, keep taking your happy pills because nothing is further from the truth. Doer is putting us further and further behind. Do you not notice the mass exodus of young people from the province. What about his failure to end hallway medicine as he promised in previous elections. Why don't you ask why he has done nothing to change the fact that we are the highest taxed western province with the worst job creation. Now lets talk about corruption, as in his gov't coverup in the Crocus debacle. It is time to put this gov't out with yesterday's trash. They both smell up the place.

Why change Captains when the ship is sailing just fine!? Go Gary Go!