Winnipeg Election 2022

Ryan Kochie - Elmwood - East Kildonan

What got you into politics?

I have been much more politically minded since becoming a parent. I want my children to live in the best world that they can, and to grow up the best they can. I started reading different parenting articles which led to different questions and I started Parents of Winnipeg as a group for parents to find support from each other and gather resources. Starting that I have had a chance to hear so many stories of people who are struggling, who live in poverty, the working poor, day after day trying to make ends meet. So much that they go through that I just want to help with. I think my biggest thing is I just want to help people as much as I can. My brother and I would always joke about this one commercial growing up where there is a line “I was built to serve”, the idea being I was always just there to help. That is what I love about the restaurant industry, is helping people, making things right, going out of the way to do better.

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

I have been in the culinary industry for close to 20 years, often in a supervisor or managerial role and achieving my red seal. I have a strong work ethic and am willing to put a lot of time and effort into whatever I am passionate about. I have also created and run online groups and resources for parents such as Parents of Winnipeg (POWSA Village) which is a great resource for parents to connect and get support from each other and find resources. As well we run our yearly Holiday Hamper drive to provide families with toys and food hampers once a year. I have lived in this neighbourhood most of my life and know it well, always willing to lend a hand where I can.

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 feel there are so many issues that need addressing in the city and a lot of them are interconnected. We need to address crime, especially small petty crime with the frequent garage break-ins, bike thefts, small time scams going around. Especially in these hard times having something such as your bike stolen can be quite hard to replace and doesn’t feel very small of a loss. Big part of that is addressing root causes of crime such as addictions, homelessness, poverty. We need to help people not feel so hopeless, give them the supports they need.

I am also a big supporter of active and public transportation and plan on personally biking to work every day. This city has a resource issue that will only get worse long term unless we think ahead. We need to build neighbourhoods up, less sprawl and more density in a respectful manner so that this city has the resources it needs long term instead of building infrastructure that it is unable to properly maintain and stretching itself too thin. More connected communities will be less likely to have crime issues and more likely to help each other out with social resource issues.

Do you have any other comments regarding your candidacy?

I am running to help the people of Elmwood – East Kildonan and the city of Winnipeg. I feel our city has a lot of major hurdles shadowing over us, but if we all pull together we will get through this and we need long term strategies, whether on the micro or macro scale. I may not be perfect, but I push myself to be better every day, as I believe this city can push itself to be better. I am committed to being responsive in a timely manner, to listening to what people have to say, working hard and helping people however I can. Helping this city and its people is no easy task, and there are already so many working tirelessly to improve the lives of others, all I can hope for is to be given the mandate to work for you as hard as I can. I want to make this a city my children will be happy to have grown up in and to live in themselves, to make the best future for them as I can.