The NDP platform is based on five commitments. The first of these commitments is to end 'Hallway Medicine". The NDP will end this "Hallway Medicine" and reduce waiting lists. The NDP will hire more nurses as well as opening acute care bed so that emergency patients can get into hospitals. The Second commitment is to renew hope for the young. The NDP is committed to excellence in Manitoban Public Schools. For post-secondary education, the NDP will cut tuition fees by 10%. The NDP's third commitment is to save Manitoba Hydro. Hydro is one of the most efficient energy companies in North America and is important to belong to Manitoba. The NDP fears that the Tories would sell Manitoba Hydro once re-elected. The Fourth Commitment is to make Manitoban communities safer. The NDP plans to make the communities of Manitoba by tackling the causes of crime by improving youth programs and ensuring tougher consequences to gang violence and home invasions. The Last and fifth commitment is to keep balanced budget legislation and to lower property taxes.
The Liberal Party is the third major party and is led by Jon Gerrard. He was born October 13, 1947 in England. He was elected to the House of Commons in 1993 and was defeated in 1997. He became leader of the Manitoba Liberals in 1998.
The Liberals want to have an ethical government in Manitoba. An ethical government would include the elimination of political influences to civil services to protect pubic service, a better Freedom of Information Act to help citizens access public information and MLA sponsored citizen forums to let inhabitants of Manitoba tell their MLAs what they think. Amongst their plans for Health care, the Liberals will reinstate nurses in a professional environment. Hallway Medicine would be eliminated and waiting time would be reduced. Caregivers will be given authority so that they will be able to make decisions to improve the quality of care. The Liberals will keep a balanced budget. The provincial cabinet will be reduced from 18 to 14 Ministers and Deputy Ministers will be reduced from 23 to 18. The Liberals will take an environmental stand and will accept responsibility for protecting the environment. The Liberals promise to move towards long term stable funding to PS education and ease burden for manitobans repaying provincial student loans. There will be also increased funding for graduate students and invest more in research at Manitoban Universities and Colleges.
