Who are they? What do they stand for? Why do they think they deserve your vote April 28
James Bezan
Conservative Party
I’m James Bezan and I have had the honour of serving our constituency since 2004. Before this, I was a cattle producer and livestock exporter. Kelly and I have been married for 37 years and still live on our farm near Teulon. We have three wonderful daughters and three beautiful grandkids.
For the past two decades, I have served the constituents of Selkirk-Interlake-Eastman and brought common sense Conservative solutions to Ottawa on behalf of our local communities.
I’ve had the pleasure to serve as Chair of the House of Commons Standing Committees on Agriculture (2006-2008), Environment (2008-2011) and National Defence (2011-2013).
In 2013, Prime Minister Stephen Harper appointed me as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence.
In opposition, I have served as Associate Agriculture Critic (2004-2006), Shadow Minister of National Defence (2015-2021; 2022-present), Shadow Minister for Ethics and Accountable Government (2022) and Deputy Opposition Whip and Question Period Coordinator (2021-2022).
Since 2004, my staff and I have helped numerous constituents navigate and reconcile issues with government agencies and programs. As well, I have secured funding and grants for local projects from federal programs.
We need to make life more affordable for everyone and quit punishing rural people who have to drive to get places. Liberal carbon taxes are hurting our agriculture and steel producers right here in our riding. Conservatives are the only party willing to stand up for law-abiding firearms owners. The Liberals have changed bail laws to let violent criminals back on the streets, but they want to confiscate guns from farmers and hunters. Conservatives will institute jail not bail for violent crime. After the lost Liberal decade, Canada needs a change and strong leadership.
In addition to everything stated above that I have been fighting for, I will continue to stand up for our local communities, small businesses, commercial fishers, agriculture producers, and manufacturers, as well as advocating for the protection of Lake Winnipeg and Lake Manitoba.
I want to ask the constituents of Selkirk-Interlake-Eastman to continue to put their trust in me as their Member of Parliament in Ottawa by voting Conservative in what could be the most impactful election in Canada’s history. The Liberals don’t deserve a fourth term. This is a time for change and only a Conservative government can reverse the lost Liberal decade and put Canada First for all Canadians.
Josef Estabrooks
New Democratic Party
My name is Josef Estabrooks. I am a proud Manitoban who is ready to fight to both secure and improve the Canada I love. I am a father of three who works selling books, and have a degree in Justice and Law Enforcement. Watching elections from the sidelines for many years, I became tired of the soundbites and talk of being on the right ‘side’ of issues replacing real positions and work for improvement. We are more complex than that and Canadians deserve the respect of their politicians treating them as whole people, not votes to be targeted with single issue shouts. I am not the voice you are used to hearing from in politics and that is why I believe I should do this job.
Many of us are worried about tariff threats, but affordability is a major concern. Discussions of the economy are often limited to broad measures of stock markets and GDP when the average income earner here in Manitoba ($48,000/yr) is worried about food, housing and bills. The NDP has proven to be a valuable force in minority government, wrangling Trudeau into providing increased dental coverage and a framework for pharmacare. The NDP’s commitment to practical solutions like regulating grocery price-fixing and removing the GST from essential products is something I am proud to stand for and can benefit each of us by benefitting all of us.
Coming together and finding those practical solutions is an important part of an MP’s job. I am not pretending to have all the answers. I am asking you to trust me to take on the responsibility of learning more about all these issues so I can represent you well. If elected, you can expect me to do more than vote in Ottawa. To represent the people, you need to talk to the people, and I hope to hear much more from everyone in Selkirk-Interlake-Eastman. It’s a wide riding with different concerns, but I will be happy to work for you to improve things for all.
Byron Gryba
People’s Party
My name is Byron Gryba. I believe good government must fear and respect the will of the people they serve. Not the other way around. Married for 25 years and blessed with 5 healthy children, I grew up your average farm kid on a mixed farm in the Grandview area – hard work with some hockey, Ukrainian dance and air cadets for balance. Following high school and getting my pilot license, I obtained a Mechanical Engineering degree from the UofM. After a decade of sales, project management and contract negotiations in the corporate world, I started my first business which is one of several I continue to this day.
I am running for office because our children and grandchildren deserve to be able to enjoy the same freedom, opportunities, and pride of being Canadian that we had. The political elite have lost touch with the everyday Canadian like me – a father and business owner with a modest upbringing. Without the constraints MP’s of the main political parties have, I am uniquely able to pursue truth with accountability to those I represent.
Canada’s rulers have focused on climate policy driving away economic investment/development and causing excessive reliance on the US. Canada also suffers from policies which have divided Canadians along lines of sex, race, and religion and policies which undermine the value of life. The religions of climate change, transgenderism, and multiculturalism are dogmatic. Attempts to discuss are met with non-tolerant, non-Canadian, and nonsensical ad hominem. The incessant push to reduce CO2 emissions when the climate is near the lowest levels needed to sustain life is ludicrous. Over burdened health, elderly, and veteran care must do more with less as immigration policy exasperates the problem and MAID is offered as a solution. Most hideous is the sexualizing of children with the threat of criminal charges if you dare tell a child the truth that becoming the opposite sex is not possible.
Welcome investment/development in the riding by relaxing federal restrictions to resource development. The riding is home to many of Manitoba’s 30 critical minerals. Combined with a year round port in Churchill, Manitoba could become a powerhouse. Legal gun owners account for less than 3 percent of gun crime. Leave them alone. Policy must be based on truth not ideology. Truth is found through the exchange of ideas only possible when freedom of speech (especially speech one disagrees with) is upheld.
Wayne James
Green Party
I am a life time farmer living on the land my Great Grandfather purchased. When I took over the farm from my father I continued using synthetic toxic chemicals, as we had been doing, believing they were safe and that they were helping to pay the bills. This all changed for me one spring day when I had an epiphany. As I came up to a field, intent on spraying more toxic chemicals, I realized that as far as the land, and the life that it supported were concerned, I was Dr. Death. In that moment I realized a great truth and immediately became an organic farmer, and in so doing changed the direction of my life.
In 1976 I graduated from the University of Winnipeg with a BA in theatre. This has allowed me to find work in the field of theatre, film and television, where I wrote and produced a number of documentaries.
At one time I was an EVOC (Emergency Vehicle Operator’s Course) instructor, teaching such organizations as CHIPS (California Highway Patrol), City of Winnipeg Police, Metro Toronto Police, RCMP, ambulance services, and the general public.
I enjoy playing music and have performed as a solo artist and with the Celtic folk group Ard-ri. As a story teller I have performed international, and at the Winnipeg Fringe Festival.
I am a proud member of the National Farmers Union where we work hard to develop policies that preserve, and sustain, our small farms which are the heart and health of our communities. As a farmer I understand that what we do today has long term consequences, that our actions determine what sort of world future generations will inherit.
We are living in an age of insanity. Every child born in the 21st century begins life with a body that contains synthetic toxins, and from personal experience I can tell you the only reason they are there is, someone made money along the way. Our children and their descendants deserve better. We deserve better.
Politics, in my understanding, is about how we chose to look after one another, and this precious world we live on and with. It need not be about the empowerment of our capitalistic economy which can leave a waste land of poverty driven crime, and broken human spirit in its wake.
Rhonda Nichol
Liberal Party
My name is Rhonda Nichol and I was born in Teulon, raised in Woodlands by parents who were from Fisher Branch. We spent much of our time outside, being taught survival, fishing and hunting skills. Respecting nature and wildlife were fundamental values that Dad taught us. I first started as a health care aide and First Responder in Stonewall then became a nurse. I have years of community, healthcare and school volunteer service behind me. I am a nationally certified Oncology nurse with Leadership and Management Certification. I enjoy teaching my grandkids to be curious about the world around them.
Why did you decide to run in this election and what makes you qualified to be a Member of Parliament?
Encouraged by colleagues and friends who believe in my potential, I decided to run to bring a dedicated, service-oriented perspective to Parliament. With over 35 years in nursing, I’ll bring skills in critical thinking, evidence-based problem-solving, and collaborative decision-making. Currently, I serve as an Advisor and Healthcare Critic, and Constituency Assistant for an MLA and work as an Independent Nurse Consultant in Manitoba and Ontario. I agree with Prime Minister Mark Carney’s vision for a Canada that invests in its people and infrastructure.
In addition to tariffs, what are some of the other main issues in this election? Affordable Housing, Climate Action and environmental sustainability, National Security, Creating jobs with a made in Canada approach
What are your priorities for the riding? Economic Development: Supporting local industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism through investments in infrastructure and innovation to create jobs and stimulate growth; Affordable Housing: Implementing federal programs to increase the supply of affordable housing for seniors and first-time homeowners; Healthcare Services: Enhancing access to healthcare in rural areas by expanding support services, including staffing needs; Indigenous Relations: Building respectful and collaborative relationships with Indigenous communities focusing on mutual growth, understanding, and reconciliation efforts; Youth Opportunities: Investing in education and employment programs for our youth; Environmental Stewardship: Promoting sustainable practices and protecting our natural resources ensuring a healthy environment for future generations.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Our current MP has held this position since 2004. The demographics of our riding have changed over the past 20 years. Many constituents feel the need for representation that mirrors our diversity. It is time for a MP who stands with the community and advocates for its unique needs and its future success.
Chris Riddell
United Party
My name is Chris Riddell and I grew up on the farm near Warren, played sports and outdoor activities through out the Interlake, and joined the Winnipeg Police Service when I was 19. I strongly believe in Faith Family and Freedom.
Why did you decide to run in this election and what makes you qualified to be a member of Parliament?
While at WPS I rose to the position of treasurer of the Winnipeg Police Association, as well as President of the Manitoba Police Association, representing the members of the MPA in Ottawa, lobbying government for increased attention to Police Officer duties, as well as judicial reform. I also stood in for the Manitoba VP of the Canadian Police Association when necessary.
I have followed the United Party of Canada since inception. Our platform highlights ending involvement with the UN, WHO, WEF and removing Canada from the Paris Climate accord. Cancelling the Net Zero Agenda and Removing Emissions Caps. Securing our borders, protecting our children, and protecting female spaces. These policies resonate with my values and the people I speak with. I am running in this election because for years I have witnessed first hand, little if any true representation by our elected representatives.
In addition to tariffs, what are some of the other main issues in this election?
Talk of new tariffs between Canada and the USA, has exposed the Canadian Governments failure to make Canada more independent after several decades.
Canadian Sovereignty must be restored, we must be allowed to develop our resources and end unfair equalization payments. We must rebuild military, and Border security, move to responsible immigration.
What are your priorities for the riding?
Support strong families and defend life. Establish Parental authority in Law, and end government over reach into family life. Repeal the liberal gun laws, restore the rights of the legal firearm owners, defend self-defence rights. Simplify agricultural regulations to protect farmers from excessive government intervention, allowing them to focus on feeding Canadians and exporting to global markets.
To be extremely accessible to my constituents, taking their concerns to Ottawa and ensuring their voices are heard. A major priority is to build the most Informed voters in the country, with continuous communication, holding debates on various issues, and regular town hall meetings so that our people will be able to make more informed decisions.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
The system is broken and it won’t be fixed by the parties that broke it.
Please Vote Chris Riddell on April 28.
Nothing changes if nothing changes. Thank You.
For more on our Policies got to www.unitedpartyofcanada.ca
