The Reminder reached out to all seven federal candidates running in ridings including the Flin Flon, Creighton and Denare Beach area with a questionnaire, covering several local and regional issues.
Three of the four candidates running in Churchill-Keewatinook Aski (northern Manitoba) responded with answers, which are presented here.
No response came in from Conservative Party candidate Lachlan De Nardi or party representatives.
The candidates’ responses reflect their own views, not the views of The Reminder or its employees.
1. What reasons have made you want to run in this election? What qualifications do you have? Have you run for office before?
Niki Ashton, NDP candidate: I am running because it is critical for our region to have a strong voice. I will fight for and deliver for northern Manitoba as I always have. While the Liberals paid lip service to dental care and pharmacare, it was New Democrats who forced them to act. Unlike Liberal leader Mark Carney, who prioritizes tax breaks for millionaires, I’ll fight for you and our region.
Rebecca Chartrand, Liberal candidate: Politics is not something I aspire to, but I do aspire to make change. I first ran in 2015 after encouragement from former AFN Grand Chief Phil Fontaine. I’m a bridge-builder, business owner and policy leader with deep roots in northern and Indigenous communities. I’ve led major initiatives at Red River College, Indspire and founded Manitoba’s first Ojibwe bilingual school. I bring experience in housing, justice, economic development, anti-racism, and suicide prevention strategies. I’m here to amplify northern voices in Canada’s strategy.
Dylan Young, People's Party candidate: I chose to run in this election because I know that Canadians are not satisfied with the options on the table. I ran in the last election as well.
2. What are your main priorities as a candidate? If elected, what are the first things you plan to do once you reach Ottawa?
NA: Both Liberals and Conservatives are already talking about cuts to spending, cuts that would fund their tax breaks for the wealthy. That would be a disaster for our region. I’ll fight those cuts, push to expand healthcare services and other public services and deliver good jobs for our communities
RC: My priority is results—not empty promises. I’ll immediately work to shine a light on the real issues facing northern Manitoba, from economic development to improving the rail line, to infrastructure, housing, mental health and youth opportunities. I’ll advocate for northern-led strategies that involve Indigenous and non-Indigenous leadership working together for shared benefit. My job is to listen, connect and push for tangible solutions.
DY: As a candidate, I hope to gather a community of people who are like-minded and who want to hold our communities together. If I was elected, the first thing I would do is push for financial transparency in First Nations governments. My neighbours and friends should be able to trust that their government is spending their money properly.
3. What personal history or connection do you have with the north? Is your primary residence currently in the north?
NA: I was born and raised in Thompson. I live in Thompson and I’m raising my family in Thompson. Northern Manitoba is my home and I’m proud to fight for it. I know how to fight for and deliver for communities in our region like Flin Flon and Thompson. We need a representative who lives in our region. How can you want to fight for our communities if you don’t even want to live here?
RC: I’ve lived and worked in the north—in Little Grand Rapids, Pauingassi, St. Theresa Point and Lac Brochet. My business, Indigenous Strategy Alliance, keeps me rooted here, supporting health, education, and anti-racism initiatives. My son and his family are from Treaty 5 and I carry that connection with pride. The north isn’t just where I work—it’s home. I know the people, the challenges, and the strength of our communities. I’m here to serve and amplify our voices.
DY: I was born, raised and still live in The Pas. I volunteered with Scouts Canada for a long time and I still occasionally stop by to give them a hand.
4. What do you feel are the biggest issues facing the north presently? How do you plan to address them?
NA: This is vital because far too often, people who don’t live here don’t understand what people here are going through. I’m here, I listen and I speak out. Decades of Liberal and Conservative prioritizing of the ultra-rich have left communities like ours behind. The NDP is clear on the need for a cap on grocery prices, for tax breaks for working people, the need for expanded healthcare, the need for more support for public safety and prevention and the need for job creation in our north.
RC: Northern communities face urgent challenges: crumbling infrastructure, a challenging economy, limited healthcare, unsafe housing and youth mental health crises. In Flin Flon, the mine closure has left uncertainty; in The Pas, families struggle with homelessness, addictions and scarce services. These issues affect everyone, especially in a region that’s 78 per cent Indigenous. Real solutions come when we work together. I’ll push for investment in infrastructure, jobs and services and advocate for stronger partnerships to make Churchill-Keewatinook Aski a model for renewal and unity.
DY: I feel that the biggest issues facing the north currently are loneliness and crime. I often hear people talk about crimes that they would never have believed would happen 10 years ago, whether it be the bank robbery in Fisher Branch in 2019, the woman who had a shopping cart thrown at her in Thompson in 2023 or the general lawlessness lately.
5. What do you feel are the biggest issues facing Canada presently? How do you plan to address them?
NA: A critical issue is the cost of living. New Democrats are clear people need a break on prices and taxes. Liberals and Conservatives have cut taxes to millionaires and billionaires. We would do the opposite. Tax the wealthy more and give a tax break to working people.
RC: Canada is at a crossroads, facing a cost-of-living crisis, a housing shortage and the impacts of climate change. Trust in our institutions is eroding, especially in the north. The Liberal platform under Mark Carney addresses these issues with plans to expand healthcare, invest in housing, cut taxes for the middle class and build a self-reliant economy through trade diversification and northern development. I support these policies. My focus is ensuring northern and Indigenous communities lead Canada’s recovery, reflecting their strength, innovation and the Canada Strong spirit.
DY: I feel that the biggest issues facing Canada currently are immigration and identity. Excess immigration, such as we have been receiving, weakens our capacity for Canadian unity and identity. If you look at communities without immigration, they still have a very strong identity and know each other well. My party will drastically reduce immigration to resolve these issues.
6. What do you feel about the current trade situation between Canada and the U.S. How do you plan to address concerns about the situation for the north?
NA: Trump’s policies are a threat to Canada. We need to fight back as Canadians. We need to make sure that we support workers, communities and industries that are directly impacted, including here in the north.
RC: Canada must rethink its trade strategy and the north should be at the heart of that vision. This region holds untapped potential, with the Port of Churchill offering deepwater access to global markets. I will advocate for federal investments to expand trade routes, enhance port and rail infrastructure and support Indigenous-led mineral projects. These assets are national and by unlocking them through collaboration with municipalities and Indigenous nations, we can build a stronger, more resilient economy.
DY: I feel that the current trade situation is concerning and that we should do our best to negotiate ourselves into a favorable position.
7. What is your plan for the economic future of the north? How do Flin Flon and nearby communities fit within that plan?
NA: We need to invest in northern infrastructure, roads, airports, rail lines and housing. Canada needs a critical minerals strategy that recognizes the potential for mining, including in areas that have a history of mining, like Flin Flon.
RC: Flin Flon can lead the new northern economy, driven by critical minerals, clean energy, innovation and ecotourism. With the mine closed, we need investment in exploration, reclamation and the infrastructure to support future industries, including transportation, workforce training and private sector partnerships. I’ll push for a national critical mineral strategy that makes Flin Flon a key hub, advocating for federal support to diversify the economy ensuring Flin Flon thrives in the next economy.
DY: I believe that there should be far more economic opportunities for those living in the north. My party will reduce the corporate tax rate over several years, to give employers the leeway that they need to expand their operations.
8. Flin Flon is a community whose biggest industry, for decades, has been mining – there is now no current operating, producing mine here. What plans or ideas do you have for northern mining and what can Ottawa do to help build up this industry?
NA: A Canadian strategic minerals strategy. We need to work with Manitoba on this. For far too long, the wealth of this country has come from mines and other resources. We need to be putting that wealth back into our communities. We need to make sure we stop the hollowing out of our resource community and invest in Canada.
RC: Flin Flon’s future in mining doesn’t have to follow the old path. With the rising demand for critical minerals, Flin Flon is uniquely positioned. I will advocate in building a sustainable mining industry—one that creates jobs, protects the environment and supports long-term growth. Innovations in clean, safer mining methods, such as electric equipment and waterless processing, can make operations more efficient. Together with Indigenous knowledge, we can create a future where mining benefits both people and the planet.
DY: If there is an opportunity to reopen the mine, or to open new mines, I believe we should take it.
9. What northern-specific measures would you wish to add to a federal budget? What areas do you feel the federal government needs to improve on for northerners?
NA: The federal government must invest in roads, all-weather roads, airports, the rail line and the port of Churchill. We need investment in cost of living, housing, community safety and recreational opportunities for young people.
RC: I would advocate for a dedicated northern infrastructure fund that supports roads, airports, energy systems, internet connectivity, water infrastructure and key transportation links like the Hudson Bay rail line. I would also advocate for the federal budget to include long-term investments in economic diversification, including critical minerals, value-added industries and training programs for youth in trades, health and clean tech. It’s time to support economic reconciliation through Indigenous entrepreneurship and business partnerships. Investing in the north is essential for Canada’s success.
DY: (note: the candidate did not provide an answer for this question)
10. What measures do you plan to propose to assist Indigenous people and communities?
NA: I’m glad you’re asking this question, because Indigenous issues have largely been absent from the national campaign. The fact that Mark Carney refused to even speak to Indigenous peoples shows his lack of commitment to First Nations. When he led Brookfield, he fought First Nations in court over hydro dams, and his company said they didn’t have a duty to consult. The federal government must invest in housing, health and opportunities for young people including strengthening Jordan’s Principle programming.
RC: Under Mark Carney’s leadership, the Liberal platform includes a $10 billion Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program, unlocking capital for First Nations Inuit, and Métis communities to invest in major economic projects as full partners. This is about Indigenous ownership, wealth-building and nation-to-nation investment, benefiting towns like Flin Flon. This will help Indigenous and non-Indigenous people build prosperity together, with shared leadership and outcomes. That’s what real reconciliation looks like—partnerships that create lasting, mutual success.
DY: A financial transparency and accountability requirement for various bands would give all their members peace of mind that their money is being spent properly. I want native people to be able to own their land on reserve as well. They have worked on their land and they have improved it. They should be able to pass it on to future generations.
11. What are your plans regarding the environment and climate change?
NA: We need to end the billions of dollars Liberals and Conservatives give to Big Oil annually. We need to invest in renewables and climate change mitigation. I fought to have telecom services reinstated in Flin Flon during last summer’s fires. Our communities need investment in infrastructure and services that will protect us from wildfires and other emergencies.
RC: Climate change is already here in the north—and I know Flin Flon and the surrounding area is feeling the impact. Shrinking winter road seasons are cutting off critical supply routes earlier each year, driving up the cost of goods and making it harder for families and businesses to plan. We must be at the centre of work to combat the impact of climate change. Their knowledge of the land, with federal investment, is key to protecting our ecosystems.
DY: My party plans to withdraw from various climate agreements. They serve little purpose for Canadians.
12. Do you disagree with or dispute any policies your party currently holds? If so, which ones?
NA: I’m proud to be from a party that has a long history of defending our north. We see it provincially with four strong NDP MLAs. The NDP have always stood with northerners and that’s not something anyone can say about the other two parties.
RC: I want faster action on housing and stronger timelines for UNDRIP implementation. Indigenous-led solutions must be resourced and respected. I’ll be a strong voice for accountability and urgency within my party.
DY: (note: the candidate did not provide an answer for this question)
13. In 30 words or less - what is your elevator pitch for undecided voters?
NA: New Democrats forced the Liberals to bring in dental care and pharmacare, all things they promised but never delivered on. Our communities can’t afford Mark Carney’s cuts.
RC: I’m not here to make promises—I’m here to work. I’ll bring people together and amplify northern/Indigenous voices. The NDP will not form government. You want a strong voice for you.
DY: It's hard for the average guy to explain what a Canadian is, but Canadians exist regardless. We need to strengthen our identity and our relationships with one another.
14. What question do you wish we would have asked?
NA: What was Mark Carney’s record in business? How do you feel about the use of tax havens? Mark Carney’s Brookfield was once described as Canada’s top tax dodger. Canada already loses out on over $30 billion a year to corporate tax avoidance. Why should someone in Flin Flon or anywhere in northern Manitoba be forced to pay so that companies like Brookfield make a couple billion dollars extra? The NDP would end tax loopholes and give ordinary people a tax break.
RC: How can the north become a model for reconciliation?
DY: (note: the candidate did not provide an answer for this question)
