To renew, rebuild NDP culture and values

To renew, rebuild NDP culture and values

Marcelino (left) celebrates victory with volunteers and supporters at campaign headquarters

Interview with Flor Marcelino, MLA (Logan), Manitoba

By Mila Astorga-Garcia

THE PHILIPPINE REPORTER: To what do you attribute your win, despite the victory sweep of the Progressive Conservatives throughout the province. How do you see the significance of your re-election, in light of the present Progressive Conservative majority in the legislature and in light of the provincial leadership changing hands from your party, the NDP, to the Conservative Party?

FLOR MARCELINO: There are only 14 NDP and 3 Liberals elected in the last provincial elections. The PCs won 40 seats. I attribute the victory of the few of us who were re-elected to the connection that we have made with our constituents—they have seen us working hard for and with constituents and organizations in finding solutions to the issues in the community. For the rest who are elected for the first time, I believe they were able to convince voters that they are the best person to represent them at the Legislature, despite the daily barrage of poll results that they are losing by huge percentage.

I believe things happen for a reason. I am looking forward to my new role as member of the opposition in whatever critic role(s) I will be assigned to. I will do my best to serve my constituents in my capacity as member of the official opposition. I will continue to advocate for my community’s and the province’s priorities. I also look forward and welcome the opportunity to renew, rebuild and reaffirm the culture and values of my party that was severely damaged by self inflicted wounds.

TPR: What would you consider to be the most important challenges in Manitoba that will confront you and your party as opposition?

FM: There are many formidable challenges that we will face as members of the opposition. One is the track record of the Conservatives—federally and provincially—that they will ram through legislations they are set to pursue regardless of strong oppositions because they have the numbers. In Manitoba during the 90s, despite the valiant efforts of the NDP members in opposition as well as throngs of people who attended committee meetings expressing strong sentiments against privatizing the Manitoba Telephone System, the Conservatives still privatized the crown corporation. Prior to MTS issue the opposition NDP with the support of many community members were able to halt the Conservative government’s plan to privatize home care.

I believe one of the many challenges we will face in the opposition is defending many grassroots organizations which have received multi-year funding for their social programs.  As well, the labour movement will face a tough ride as the Premier-elect, while campaigning, promised that when they form their government, they would end what he calls “forced unionization—collective agreements negotiated with trade unions that cover all workers on large government projects.”

TPR: Other Filipino-Canadians have won in the election. Do you see this as a significant development and opportunity in bringing the specific and distinct concerns of Filipino immigrants — many of them temporary foreign workers — to the province’s political agenda?

FM: Two Filipino-Canadians are now members of the opposition and one Filipino-Canadian in the Conservative government. Under the NDP government, temporary foreign workers in Manitoba were protected against unscrupulous immigration consultants. As well, they were provided medical coverage, including agricultural workers and refugees who were shut out of medical coverage by the federal Conservatives. In opposition we will continue to protect the welfare of foreign workers—and many, many more important community concerns.  I am quite sure where the Filipino-Canadian Conservative will stand on these issues.

TPR: What advice can you give to Filipino Canadians seeking positions in Canada’s political system via the election process?

FM: From the beginning of my elected term, I have encouraged members of all multicultural communities to be involved in the electoral process if they have the heart for public service. And I emphasized that they should have a track record of community service and involvement first. As a community member, these individuals should have shown genuine concern to help and be an advocate for solutions to community issues and concerns. I am seriously pursuing that call. I am available to mentor any community member(s) who are interested in pursuing the elected office route towards public service.  I believe those willing to invest their time and heart to this calling can contribute hugely to help create a prosperous community. Quoting from one of my heroes, Tommy Douglas, “Courage my friends, ‘tis not too late to build a better world.”