About Mark Wasyliw
When were you born?
Between 1966 and 1980 (Generation X)
Tell our readers a bit about your professional life. What do you do for a living? If you're an incumbent candidate, what did you do before you entered politics?
I am a lawyer and partner at the firm Wasyliw Wiebe
Former three-term School Trustee and Chair of the Board of the Winnipeg School Division
Former Residential Tenancies Commissioner
Running for re-election having been first elected MLA in 2019 in Fort Garry
Finance Critic for the NDP from 2019 until 2023
Deputy House Leader NDP - From 2019 until 2023
In 2023 became Critic for Economic Development and Environment & Climate Change
What's the highest level of education you've attained?
Master's degree
How long have you lived in the constituency? If you don't currently live there, what led you to run there instead of where you live?
I have represented the north part of the constituency since 2011. I have had a connection with folks in this part of the community and it was a natural decision to continue to represent these folks as well as the rest of Fort Garry.
What is the biggest challenge facing your constituency, and how would you address it?
We need to fix healthcare –that’s an issue in every riding and something Wab Kinew and the NDP team are committed to repairing. But affordable housing is crucial and something I hear about from my constituents. We need to reform rental laws in Manitoba to make them fairer for tenants.
In addition, we need to build affordable housing for students, seniors and people living with disabilities. Many young families cannot afford to buy homes and the market is not building starter homes. Manitoba needs to work with all levels of government to address the Housing crisis.
If elected, what will be your first priority?
The cost of living – we will work to make life more affordable. We must ensure that Manitobans can afford to live in the communities they choose. Our government will ensure Manitobans earn a living wage and that basic necessities of life are affordable and accessible to all.
We can do all of this while transitioning Manitoba's economy to a green economy.
Who are your role models in politics, and why?
My "Dido" (Ukrainian Grandfather) - came to Canada and was a "Pioneer Priest." He would move to remote communities where Ukrainian immigrants had settled and organize the community to create a church, which would act as a community centre. This allowed newcomers to create systems of mutual cooperation and self-reliance. Once he established a community he moved on to the next. He was one of many "Pioneer Priests" who helped integrate Ukrainian newcomers to Canada.
Tell us something about yourself that voters might find surprising.
I am an avid Canadian Football fan and spent years coaching youth football in South Winnipeg
Other candidates in constituency:
Rick Shone (Progressive Conservative)
Shandi Strong (Liberal)
Aaron Kowal (Green)