Today Canadians go to the polls in the country's 45th general election. In Portage-Lisgar there are five candidates vying to be our next Member of Parliament. They are incumbent Conservative Branden Leslie, Liberal Robert Kreis, NDP candidate Lisa Tessier, People's Party of Canada candidate Kevin Larson and the Green Party's Janine Gibson.
Polls are open today from 8:30am to 8:30pm.
If advance polling is any indication, it appears there is a lot of interest in the election. About 7.3 million electors voted during the Advance polling period April 18th through 21st, a 25% increase compared to the last general election. Elections Canada also released a further breakdown of the numbers, dividing things up provincially. In Manitoba, the estimated turnout was 229,379 up 42,000 voters from the 2021 general election equaling a 22% increase. A further breakdown by electoral district showed 14,048 Portage-Lisgar electors cast a ballot during the advance poll.
Below you will find excerpts from the stories we published during the federal election campaign with each candidate, specifically the final thoughts each candidate shared in the interviews conducted. You can find links to the full stories below, which includes each answering questions about tariffs and United States relations, water infrastructure development, affordable housing, agriculture and more.
Excerpts are listed in the order the candidates appear on Elections Canada's website.
Green Party - Janine G. Gibson
“Certainly. Well, I'd like folks to know that the more if we want people to vote from their hearts and their guts and the more people that know we need to protect the wonderful nature around us, that we can do so with the Green Party policies in a way that not only improves our soil, but improves our bioregions but improves our pocketbooks as well. It's not an either or we can create win wins. So, I encourage folks to 'Think Green, Vote Janine.' On April 28.”
Liberal Party of Canada - Robert Kreis
“I will commit to representing Portage-Lisgar with all my energy. I’ve dedicated myself to learning the local landscape, and I encourage anyone with questions to reach out. You can email me at rob@roblyn.net or call me directly at 204-791-6219. I’m here to listen and to bring your concerns to Ottawa. Thank you for your time, and I look forward to earning your support.”
People's Party of Canada - Kevin Larson
“I shared a tweet yesterday that resonated with many who feel disenfranchised by the current system. In Canada, 40% of eligible voters don’t cast a ballot—and that 40% can determine the outcome of an election. If that 40% shows up and says, ‘We don’t like what’s happening; we want change,’ we could have any leader we want. So, whether you’re voting for me or another candidate, make a plan for April 28th. Get out and vote, whether it means arranging a carpool or asking for a break at work. Your vote matters, and together, we can bring about real change in Canada.”
Conservative Party of Canada - Branden Leslie
"Yeah, well, it's mid-afternoon and I've already knocked on 100 doors on day one of the campaign. Right after this, my team and I will be back out on doorsteps. Folks can expect to see me in communities—knocking on doors, sharing our positive Conservative message about being a country that once again builds things, builds up citizens and communities, defends our country, and puts Canada first. We're rolling out a lot of policies that I think people will be very excited by. Of course, if you share my vision for putting Canada first, we're going to need your vote on April 28th or at the advance polls on the preceding weekend. I look forward to the challenge, the opportunities, and to speaking with so many people over the next 30-plus days."
New Democratic Party - Lisa Tessier
“I would just really like to encourage everyone in Portage Lisgar to go out and vote on Election Day. It's really important that everybody's voice is heard, and we're seeing a lot of divisive rhetoric coming out of the United States. I just want everyone to know that you don't have to vote based on the politics of fear, which is what some parties are hoping you'll do. You can get out and cast your vote, and that's the best thing you can do on Election Day.”