Winnipeg Election 2022

Gursharn Wander - Seven Oaks - 2

What got you into politics?

I am part of the Seven Oaks Community for the last 15 years and am a father of two daughters. I have realized that the education system in Manitoba is consistently ranked the lowest across Canada on national and international student assessments for reading, math, and science. There has been a lack of connection between parents, the community, and the school board. The voice of parents is not being heard as they are concerned about their kid’s quality of education. The teachers don’t have enough assistance and funding to support learning. The flaws in the education system are forcing parents to send their children to private schools. It is time for a change for a better future for our children as every child deserves a quality education.  There is strong feedback from the community that the education system needs improvement. As a school trustee candidate and a teacher, I want to be a part of this change. For me, a school trustee’s position is to provide leadership and serve the community, not politics. If elected, it will be my responsibility to identify the needs and priorities of the community during decision-making for better educational opportunities for the students.

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

I bring an educator’s experience to complement the role of a School Trustee. I am currently employed as an Instructor at the Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology. I have 17 years of teaching experience including teaching high school students as well as post-secondary students. I have been involved in making decisions in my department to improve the student learning experience and connect my students to prospective employers. I have worked with colleagues to make departmental budgeting decisions to improve the delivery of the programs and improve the quality of education.

I have a Master’s in Computer Science, Diploma in Technical Vocational Teacher Education, and an Instructor Trainer for Cisco Technologies.

Besides this, I have done community work including volunteering to teach and help new immigrants at Immigrant Centre. I have actively volunteered to raise over $50K for Baba Nanak Scholarship for Human Rights Education. I have volunteered as a mentor for kids/youth with Bulla Arts International for the last six years.

I want to make an honest effort to improve the educational system in Seven Oaks School Division.

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 have been door-knocking for the last month and a half and received a lot of feedback about the disconnect between the school trustees and community members. I  would like to improve this connection and take community feedback while making policy decisions.

There is an urgent need for funding to support teachers and provide resources to them.

There is a dire need to develop effective mental health programs as well as add programs to promote the healthy social and emotional development of all children and youth

For the new neighborhoods, we need to open new schools as soon as possible. Also, wherever required, sports infrastructure must be updated/upgraded to promote a healthy lifestyle among children. There should be easy access to these facilities in off hours for the community including indoor sports facilities.

Some schools are offering bilingual programs but there is a need to expand to reflect the diversity of the community. Also, the expansion of adult education programs will benefit new immigrants.

Do you have any other comments regarding your candidacy?

I am an experienced educator with a new vision and a strong voice for the community. There is a need to improve the education system for the better. Let’s work together to make is happen.

Vote for me. Vote for Gursharn Wander.