Winnipeg Election 2018

Brianne Goertzen - River East - Transcona - 3

Why did you decide to run in the 2018 (Winnipeg Civic Election / School Board Election)?

It has been an honour and a privilege to serve as the Trustee for Ward 3 for the last two years.  I first decided to run for Trustee so I could serve my community and help ensure our school division works for all our children, including mine. It is important for our division to have a parent’s perspective on the board because we know the challenges and needs that students today are facing. As a woman and a mother to a young son, I want to be a model and mentor for the next generation of students in our schools. I want to show our students that their voices matter to our board, and to show the girls in our division that women can have a seat at the table.  There is still a lot of work to be done for the students and staff of River East-Transcona, and it would be my privilege to continue to serve our community as your Trustee for Ward 3.

What experience will you bring to complement your role as (Mayor / Councillor / School Trustee)?

As the current Trustee for Ward 3, I have utilized my professional and community experience to support my work around the board table and have advocated for schools that are more responsive to our student’s needs. I hold a Masters degree with a focus on policy analysis, as well as extensive board and advocacy experience. In my professional, board, and volunteer capacities, I have worked effectively with elected representatives from all levels of government to deliver meaningful changes that protect our public services, including education.

My professional work has focused on advocating for strong public services, including working for an accessible and affordable post-secondary education system with the Canadian Federation of Students – Manitoba, and my current position defending our public healthcare system as the Provincial Director of the Manitoba Health Coalition.  I also bring board experience through my work on the Child Care Coalition of Manitoba, Child Care Now (National child care advocacy organization) and as the vice-chair of the steering committee of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives – MB.

My experience serves to help guide me in my decisions around the board table and gives me the necessary foundation to be an effective and compassionate Trustee.

What are some issues that you would like to stand for in your role as (Mayor / Councillor / School Trustee), and why are these issues important to you?

I stand for high-quality public education that ensures all children have strong educational foundations which will contribute to their future successes. I want our children to be supported, and our teachers and schools to have the resources they need to provide those supports.

I support an informed and collaborative educational community that ensures every part of our system is working together. We need to better connect our parents, teachers and staff, so we can ensure we serve the best interests of our children and community.

I will advocate for strong, stable, and predictable provincial funding for our schools to decrease reliance on property taxes, while defending the value of local school boards making education decisions that reflect the needs of our community.

I am a living example of the power of public education. I come from a working-class background and it was with the support, guidance, and encouragement of my teachers in my early education that opened my eyes to the power of education. Public education is the great equalizer, it can open the doors of opportunity for every child, no matter where they come from, and I can say that with confidence because I experienced that first hand.

What is something that you appreciate about the (City of Winnipeg / the ward / the school ward or school division) you wish to represent?

I live and am entrenched in the community of Ward 3, it is my home and my heart. It is a diverse community that welcomes, inspires and uplifts it community members. My constituents are my neighbours and friends, I truly appreciate the daily fellowship and support. There is no better community for me to raise my son and I look forward to seeing how our community grows and changes into the future.

Do you have any other comments regarding your candidacy?

Our education system is facing real challenges and the River East Transcona School Division needs to have a board that understands the importance of defending public education. I’ve spent my career advocating for better public services and defending the needs of students and the community. As the current Trustee for Ward 3, I have brought my energy, passion, and commitment to our schools to every board meeting. I believe I am the best choice to have a strong, progressive voice at the board room.