Terry Hayward, Liberal Provencher

Why do you want this job?

The Liberal Party of Canada is offering not just a change, but a change for better government, and I know we deserve a better government in Canada. We need more innovative programs going on, we need to grow the economy, and we need to get some more jobs created. We need to treat Canadians as Canadians should be treated.

What's the biggest issue for the country and in your riding?

In my riding, I think, it's the same as in the country. We have a stagnant economy. We need to get the economy moving so that we can get people to work and we can have money to serve our seniors, our veterans, money to have our children educated so that they can grow strong and happy.

What would you do with the Senate?

I have no say in the Senate as no individual Canadian does. The Senate was a creation of the provinces and as the Supreme Court has said, if there are to be changes in the Senate, we must include the provinces in the discussion about this. And the people should have their voice to the provincial government say to the federal government what they want to do with the Senate.

Winnipeg was described as the most racist city in Canada. What would you do to combat racism?

In Canada I think the key is to have more multicultural events. Education I think for everyone, starting from the youngest to the oldest education as to what are the different cultures and how they operate. Education is the key part.

What role should the federal government play in dealing with climate change?

We should play a strong leadership role in working with those jurisdictions to ensure we've got a safer environment.

If there was one government policy you think is done better in another country, what is it?

I'm thinking in New Zealand, intheir electoral process, they've got a policy of more inclusiveness with the First Nations people and the way they vote. So I think that's a change in how we elect our officials.

Under what circumstances is deficit spending a good choice?

When you've got a stagnant economy that is going nowhere or has been going nowhere for a long time, and you have good plans to get jobs created, to get spending going and get projects going.

What do you believe is the single most effective way to fight crime?

To be smart with crime, ensure that we've got the education system in place to look at rehabilitation of the criminals.

What should be done about homegrown terrorism?

We are on constant watch to ensure that any homegrown terrorism is identified and dealt with.

If there was a gay pride parade in your riding, would you go? Why or why not?

Of course I would go. Just like any other parade in the riding, I would participate in it because these are the people of our riding.

Have either you or your family had a frustrating experience with the health-care system, and what would you do to fix the problem?

The most frustrating might be finding yourself a personal doctor. We have to renew the health accord agreement. Health care is a provincial responsibility, [but]we should providethe federal leadership and work with them in addressing the shortfalls of the system, be it access to doctors, be itlong waiting lines, or be itfocus on more education. Also, home care would be good.

What would you do to get more people to vote?

We need to look at new ways of voting. People should be allowed to vote from their own homes and be able to cast their vote when and where they want to.

What's a better use of federal dollars: fixing roads or building rapid transit infrastructure?

Rapid transit doesn't hit the riding that much, except when we want to travel to the city. It would be nice to have a rapid transit system as we go into the city to be entertained. We do need to look at rural transportation issues. We've got a number of seniors in isolated areas or rural areas, where the only way they can get to town because they don't drive themselvesor do not have friends that drive depends on avolunteer somewhere.

Would you support legalizing a small amount of marijuana? And have you ever tried it?

I've never tried marijuana, but I would not support legalizing a small amount.

We'd have to legalize the use of marijuana without limitation. Legalize, regulate and tax. This is the way we'll be able to keep it out of the hands of children, control the quality of the product, and with taxation, we'd be able to raise huge amounts of money.