Winnipeg Election 2018

Craig Johnson - St. James - Assiniboia - Silver Heights - Booth

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

The challenges impacting public education and its funding are growing. There are more reductions in St. James Assiniboia operating grants with a need to increased experienced representation. The challenges impacting possible changes to public education funding and possible future of your local autonomy and taxation means that there is a greater need for strong voices who can effectively work with the Province and other stakeholders to ensure the best representation and best deal for St. James Assiniboia.

We need to keep working towards becoming better. We have a strong school division with many strengths and accomplishments to be proud of. We have great people, great teachers and a strong community that stands behind our students. We need to continue to work with parents, educators, our collective agreement partners to collaboratively meet the challenges and seize the opportunities to create the best possible learning environment that is innovative, safe, accessible and progressive while not forgetting our traditions and honouring the best of our past.

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

Homeowner and resident of Booth-Silver Heights Ward

• Elected Trustee, Silver Heights-Booth Ward, St. James Assiniboia, 2010 & 2014
• 19 Years’ Experience as a Practicum Coordinator and Career Services Manager
• Board Member, General Authority CFS, Manitoba
• Member and Past Vice Chair of the Manitoba Technical Vocational Education Advisory Committee
• 3 Terms as a Member of the City of Winnipeg Board of Revision
• Past Education Committee Chair, Manitoba Chambers of Commerce
• Past Member of the Community Safety Committee, Downtown Biz

SERVING ST. JAMES ASSINIBOIA

• Listens to the people of Silver Heights Booth Ward
• Champions greater communications through new parent/student forums and honouring parent council leaders
• Promotes/led provincial resolution for warning lights on School Zone Signs
• Represents St. James Assiniboia at the CSBA/MSBA and champions proposals promoting bus safety and accessibility
• Supports Seniors through increased volunteer participation, community dinners and events involving youth and senior residents
• Served as Chair of the Marketing, Education Committee
• Served as a Member, Finance/Facilities, Personnel, Governance, Council Relations Committees and the St. James Scholarship Foundation
• Promotes collaborative relationships with community businesses through educational partnerships
• Represented St. James Assiniboia School Division at the Assiniboia Chamber of Commerce

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?

SUPPORTING EDUCATION

• Champions literacy and numeracy by increasing the dedicated educators to assist teachers
• Advocates for the needs of special needs students with increased occupational and physical therapy professionals
• Supports True North Foundation – Winnipeg Jets Hockey Academy
• Pioneered the School Resource Officer Program with police and City
• Supported development of the track oval in St. James Collegiate and the track repair at Sturgeon Heights Collegiate
• Promotes traffic safety  through bus lanes/loops
• Advocates for greater mental health services support, French Immersion programs, community activities and career development
• Promotes collaborative relationships withEarly Childhood Educators
• Supports Indigenous student success
• Works for increased school bus safety, anti-bullying strategies and digital learning initiatives

CONCERNED TAXPAYER

• As Finance/Facilities Chair, Craig fights to keep St. James Assiniboia taxes/mill rate among the lowest i in 3 budgets
• Reduced senior administrative positions
• Reduced administration costs in 2017-2018 by 15% or $1.5 million
• Prioritizes responsible fiscal management despite 5 years of no increase and 2 years of 2% decreases in Provincial Operating Grants
• Advocates for increased commitment to public education to Provincial Ministers, MLAs, MPs and Councillors
• Promotes efficient use of schools with increasing/declining enrollment and future residential development

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

St. James Assiniboia is a unique community with a proud history and has been a city in its own right before Unicity. Our community has been able to still continue and thrive inside the City of Winnipeg despite the burdens and problems with amalgamations.  The St. James Assiniboia School Division follows these historic boundaries and provides local residents with local autonomy and local control.

This gives the people of our community autonomous control over our school taxes ensuring that we have prudent spending responsible to our residents. Larger amalgamations across Canada in municipalities and school divisions have been wasteful, extravagance and cost taxpayers for decades to come. The amalgamations of the early 2000s are still costing residents of south and east Winnipeg.  Our separate division saves our taxpayers, seniors and residents money through responsible administration and cutting waste while still maintaining a high quality of education with input from parents and other stakeholders.

St. James Assiniboia is a terrific community and a community worth preserving!