The Portage la Prairie and District Chamber of Commerce, alongside the Portage Community Revitalization Corporation (PCRC), hosted a candidates’ coffee event ahead of the federal election, offering residents face time with local contenders. Candidates who showed up included Conservative Branden Leslie, Liberal Robert Kreis, and People's Party of Canada Kevin Larson. Green Party candidate Janine Gibson could not attend and submitted a video to relate her platform to the guests, and NDP Lisa Tessier-Burch could not attend.
Stefanie Dunn, the chamber’s executive director, emphasizes the partnership’s role in fostering community health.
“PCRC tackles facets that might not fall under my chamber hat but contribute to a healthy economic community,” Dunn says.
Partnership aims to strengthen community ties
Dunn notes both organizations share a vested interest in civic engagement, even as voters increasingly rely on digital research. The breakfast provided informal opportunities to connect with candidates representing Portage-Lisgar, a riding encompassing Portage la Prairie and surrounding areas.
Residents seek personal connections with candidates
Dee Harder, a community member attending the event, stresses the value of in-person interactions.
“I want to know who’s going to represent me here. I want to look in their face and talk to them and shake their hand and hear their ideas and what their values are.”
Harder adds that while party leaders dominate national discourse, local representation remains critical.
City Councillor Ryan Espey echoes this, framing the event as a chance to discuss hyperlocal issues like infrastructure gaps.
Voters highlight policy priorities
MaryAnn Galston, a Portage resident, attended to better understand candidates’ platforms.
“I just really would like to see [the Liberals’ proposed changes to] charitable status overturned. I think it’s very important to have that status.”
Galston adds she’s concerned about federal spending but emphasizes the value of listening to all candidates.
Debating criminal justice and social investment
Don Boddy, another resident, argues for reallocating resources toward community supports.
“It’s $300,000 a year to keep someone in federal penitentiary. What happens if we took that $300,000 and invested in people up front and helped with addictions and housing?”
Boddy continues, stressing the importance of voting regardless of the riding’s political history. “Our vote still matters no matter who you vote for. It’s important that we vote.”
Councillors emphasize local infrastructure needs
City councillor Ryan Espey, who attended to advocate for municipal priorities, highlights wastewater and bail reform as key topics.
“We’re going to need assistance from other levels of government. These are big federal issues outlined in platforms, but this is about what candidates will do for us on a smaller scale.”
Non-profit leader urges voter participation
Dawn Freose, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Plains, calls civic engagement a collective responsibility.
“Our country needs everybody to to step up. This is a time we need to come together, and one of the ways we can do that is to vote for who’s going to run our country next.”
Making informed choices critical, councillor says
Councillor Faron Nicholls underscores the importance of understanding platforms firsthand.
“Just to gain that understanding and take the time to enter the platforms, everyone wants to make an informed decision.”
The event drew candidates from multiple parties, though some cited scheduling conflicts. Organizers hope it galvanizes turnout in a riding where local issues increasingly shape federal priorities.
