1. What is your experience with a council?

a) Attended at least 1 meeting

b) Involved in a board

c) Was a Council member

d) None of the above

2. What would you like to see remain the same in the Town of Ste Anne? What would you like to see changed?

I would like to see Ste-Anne remain the close-knit, welcoming community I grew up in, where people look out for one another and our Franco-Manitoban heritage and history continue to be celebrated. As our town grows, I believe it's important to preserve the small-town spirit that makes Ste-Anne feel like home.

What I would like to see change is how we plan for the future and care for the community we already have. I would like to see more long-term planning to ensure our infrastructure can support growth, more opportunities for local businesses and jobs, and responsible, transparent spending of our tax dollars. I would also like to see neglected areas improved, better traffic flow, and more community events and gathering opportunities that bring people together. Most importantly, I want residents to feel heard and informed, with meaningful opportunities to share their concerns and ideas. I know I have a lot to learn about municipal government, but I believe good leadership starts with listening, asking questions, and being open and accountable.

My vision for our community is to move forward responsibly while protecting our heritage, strengthening our community, and preserving what makes this town home.

3. With the cost of living on the rise, how would you maintain services while not raising taxes?

With the cost of living continuing to rise, I believe we need to be thoughtful about how we manage our municipal budget and look for ways to maintain services without automatically placing more financial pressure on residents.

My first step would be to review the budget, understand where our money is going, and identify opportunities to redirect funds toward the highest priority needs while looking for efficiencies that don't compromise essential services.

I would also like to see us plan new developments carefully. Where appropriate and permitted, development agreements could require developers to contribute to infrastructure such as sidewalks and other services needed to support their developments, rather than leaving the full cost to taxpayers.

Another priority would be encouraging more local businesses and industry. Responsible economic development can expand employment opportunities and potentially broaden the municipal tax base over time, helping support the services our community needs.

Finally, I believe the community doesn't always have to come with a big price tag. I'd like to explore partnerships, sponsorships, grants and volunteer involvement to create more opportunities for residents to connect through events and activities.

I also believe transparency is essential. Residents deserve to understand how their tax dollars are being spent and why decisions are being made.

4. What would be a strategy you would use to communicate with town residents as a councilor?

My strategy would be to keep communication simple, accessible, and consistent. I would use the Town’s website, app and Facebook page to share updates, but also make sure important information reaches residents who may not use technology through emailing every business that has community boards that they can print and post and also in-person conversations. I would encourage residents to share their questions and concerns and follow up so they know their voices have been heard. Good communication isn’t just about sharing information; it’s about listening and keeping people informed.

5. What is your platform goal? What would you like the residents to know about you and your campaign?

My name is Carmen Verrier. I am Franco-Manitobain born and raised here, and this community has always been my home.

J’ai aussi élevé mon fils Chandler ici dans cette communauté, jusqu’à son décès en août.2023.

I also raised my son Chandler here in this community till his passing in August of 2023.

When I lost my son, so many of you showed up for me in ways that truly helped get me through the worst time of my life. You showed me kindness, love and support and this is the best way I know how to give back.

I know I have a lot to learn, and I don't pretend to have all the answers. But I do know our community, I care deeply about where we're going, and I believe it's time for me to become more invested in the future of the town I grew up in.

Ma vision pour le village de ste-anne:

Grow Smart.

Growth with a plan. I'm not against growth. I am for responsible growth. Our town is entering an exciting period of expansion, and I want us to make sure our infrastructure keeps pace with that growth.

Work Here.

More opportunities. More local jobs. Ste-Anne is home to many people who commute to Winnipeg, Steinbach and surrounding communities for work. I’d like to see us create more opportunities for residents to work, shop and build businesses right here.

Your Money.

Spend smart. Be transparent. Municipal money is residents’ money. I believe taxpayers deserve to understand where their money is going and why decisions are being made. I want to encourage greater transparency around major spending, projects, and priorities while making sure the council continues to look for responsible ways to manage the budget.

Proud of Home.

Beautify it. Celebrate it. Remember it. Our town has history, character and people who have helped build this community into what it is today. I want us to continue making this a town we are proud to call home.

Hear the People.

Your voice belongs at the table. Council should never lose sight of the people it represents. I want residents to feel comfortable bringing forward ideas, concerns and questions. I won’t promise that everyone will always get the answer they want. But I will promise to listen, ask questions and bring those conversations to the council table.

Bring Back Community.

More reasons to come together. A growing town needs more than houses, roads and businesses. It needs community.

I'm running because I care about Ste-Anne, I believe in its potential, and I want to be part of building its future.

Je suis fier d’être élevé dans une communauté francophone. Je trouve que c’est un morceaux qui rend notre ville unique et très spéciale. Et je ne veux pas que les gens oublient ça.

I am proud to have been raised a francophone in this community. I feel this is just a small piece of what makes our town unique and special and I do not want people to forget this.

If you’d like to Follow my journey, get to know my personality and learn more about me, you can Follow me on Facebook @Carmen Verrier - Ste-Anne Town Council.

Email: verriercarmen1@gmail.com

1. What is your experience with a council?

a) Attended at least 1 meeting

b) Involved in a board

c) Was a Council member

d) None of the above

2. What would you like to see remain the same in the Town of Ste Anne? What would you like to see changed?
I want to remain in the town to make sure it's friendly for all ages. Make sure we keep our Police Department to keep us safe. What I want to see change is to have our Emergency open 24/7. 

3. With the cost of living on the rise, how would you maintain services while not raising taxes?
I don't want to see taxes raised. We need to work with the money we have available and then plan the budget accordingly.

4. What would be a strategy you would use to communicate with town residents as a councillor?
I would recommend that residents check the Town website https://steannemb.ca/, and I can also be reached on my phone. 

5. What is your platform goal? What would you like the residents to know about you and your campaign?
I will always be willing and ready to serve all residents, providing support, transparency and being truthful. I would like to see the hospital regionalized and the vocational school open on schedule. I want to continue replacing sidewalks and improving the condition of the streets, as well as looking after sports facilities for our children and seniors.

Phone: 204-422-8014

1. What is your experience with a council.
a) Attended at least 1 meeting
b) Involved in a board
c) Was a Council member
d) None of the above

2. What would you like to see remain the same in the Town of Ste Anne? What would you like to see changed?

I truly love the town of Ste Anne and I have enjoyed becoming a part of this community over the last 10 years. I feel especially lucky to have married into the town by joining someone who has lived in Ste Anne for the last 50 years. I think that it is important that we maintain the community feeling that this community has. We have a rich history that needs to be celebrated and we need to ensure that the bilingual nature and the Metis culture remains a central part of the growth of our town we call home.

3. With the cost of living on the rise, how would you maintain services while not raising taxes?

With costs rising and a desire not to decrease services to residents we need to do a few things. We need to diversify our tax base so we are not fully reliant on residential property taxes. We need to work towards increasing commercial and industrial development in the town, we also have reinvigorated the Community Development Corporation and hired and Economic Development Officer. As a council we are well on our way to see results from the investments we have made into this priority.

We also need to continue our advocacy and negotiations with the provincial government to increase their support through operational, capital, and project specific grants so that we can deliver more services and complete infrastructure projects without as much investment from residential taxation. We have some great partnerships that we have cultivated with Eastern region municipalities, and bilingual municipalities that have allowed us to get our town priorities and requirements in front of provincial MLAs and Ministers. This has meant that projects like the pathway between centrale and the Marketplace COOP was 50% paid by the province and we were able to include the drainage infrastructure underneath the pathway in the same project.

We also need to develop community involvement in the fundraising aspects of projects we want to do as a community. For instance if we want new recreational and activity infrastructure we need interested members of the community to volunteer to organize fundraising initiatives to support the project. Ste Anne has done it before with the building of the Hospital Helipad, we need to do the same thing to support the building of a community hall or baseball diamond complex, or whatever other large development we want to accomplish.

4. What would be a strategy you would use to communicate with town residents as a councilor?

As a current town councillor, I maintain a public Facebook page where I share information and events happening in town. I also share posts onto Ste Anne General. I would like to do more on my page and have been considering posting a summary after town meetings of highlights of decisions.

My phone number and email address are readily available to residents and I am always willing to take the time to discuss concerns and issues with people on the phone, by text, email, or in person.

I plan to continue doing the same and would love to hear other ideas of how to get the news out if someone has an idea they would like to share.

5.What is your platform goal? What would you like the residents to know about you and your campaign?

I am seeking a second term as a councillor because there is more work to be done to bring businesses and services to support the residents of Ste Anne and the visitors who utilize Ste Anne as their hub for recreation and services.

I want to continue the advocacy and networking with our regional partners and provincial government so that Ste Anne can benefit from programs and funding decisions that are being made. We need to see our hospital at full capacity and able to provide the care to our bilingual community as a regional service provider.

I also want to make sure that we are prepared for the changes we are seeing in the climate with our infrastructure maintenance.

I am looking forward to a renewed recreation and activity plan and the public discussions that we are going to be able to have in that process. We need to hear what is important to our community so we can plan for the future needs of this town.

Email: einarson.jason@gmail.com

1.  What is your experience with a council.

a) Attended at least 1 meeting
b) Involved in a board
c) Was a Council member
d) None of the above 

2. What would you like to see remain the same in the Town of Ste Anne? What would you like to see changed?

Things to stay the same would be as follows;
Amenities, public safety, and that small town vibe. With growth, I want to ensure that these services do not change.
Things I would like to see changed/enhanced;
Recreation facilities (such as walking paths, community center, upgrades to existing facilities), business investment (commercial/industrial park), sustainable growth. I want to make sure that these items are integrated into the town's future plans.

3. With the cost of living on the rise, how would you maintain services while not raising taxes?

With the annexation and the future plans for the commercial/industrial park, I want to move the town forward with commercial development. Commercial/industrial taxes would maintain the services required for the residents without raising taxes.

4. What would be a strategy you would use to communicate with town residents as a councillor?

From the town's side, I would ensure that communication is made through social media, email, website, and the newsletter.
Personally, I will be involved with community events and have my contact information available for residents to contact me if they have any comments/concerns.

5. What is your platform goal? What would you like the residents to know about you and your campaign?

As Councillor, I want to listen to residents, bring practical ideas to the table and work toward a community that is safe, connected, economically strong and responsibly planned for the future.
I have lived in Ste. Anne for the past 20-plus years. I am married and have 4 children. It has been a great community for us to raise our children. I have been involved with the Fire Department for 20 years, and was an auxiliary officer with the police.
With the town growing as fast as it has, I want to ensure that future generations want to live and grow their families here. Encouraging responsible business development can create local jobs and economic opportunities that would support this.
I also want to help make public safety a priority by supporting the services, infrastructure and planning needed to keep our residents, families and businesses safe.

Email: inkedpapa21@gmail.com

Phone: 204-392-6841

1. What is your experience with a council.

a) Attended at least 1 meeting

b) Was a Council member

c) Involved in a board

d) None of the above

2. What would you like to see remain the same in the Town of Ste Anne? What would you like to see changed?

Our town has been moving in a very positive direction, and I would like to see that momentum continue while preserving the small-town charm and sense of community that make Ste. Anne so special. My vision is to support responsible growth and expand local amenities and services, allowing residents to meet more of their needs right here at home rather than having to look elsewhere. Affordability is also a priority.

3. With the cost of living on the rise, how would you maintain services while not raising taxes?

- Review Spending Before Increasing Taxes

- Review municipal spending to potentially identify savings and eliminate unnecessary expenses.

- Ensure current contracts and services are cost-effective

- Ensure New Development Contributes Fairly to the needs of the community around them

- Ensure developers contribute appropriately to infrastructure costs associated with new developments through lot development fees or contributions to recreation.

- Encourage commercial and industrial development to improve quality of life and services for our residents, also to diversify the tax base and reduce pressure on residential taxpayers.

- Consider long-term maintenance costs before approving new infrastructure.

- Maximize Provincial and Federal Funding Opportunities

- Pursue grants for infrastructure, recreation, accessibility, and community improvements.

- Explore joint funding applications with neighboring municipalities.

- Reduce reliance on residential property taxes wherever possible.

- Explore Shared Services with Neighboring Municipalities

- Identify opportunities to share equipment, resources, and specialized services.

- Prioritize Preventative Maintenance

- Develop and maintain long-term infrastructure and asset management plans.

- Focus on proactive planning rather than expensive emergency repairs.

- Generate Additional Revenue Without Increasing Residential Taxes

- Attract new businesses and encourage commercial investment.

- Explore partnerships and sponsorships for community initiatives.

- Review municipal facilities and services for reasonable revenue-generating opportunities

4. What would be a strategy you would use to communicate with town residents as a councilor?

I would maintain open and accessible communication through a public Facebook page, phone, email, newsletters, surveys, and face-to-face conversations. I would also seek residents’ input on their preferred communication methods to ensure everyone has an opportunity to stay informed, engaged, and heard.

5. What is your platform goal? What would you like the residents to know about you and your campaign?

My goal would be to Listen to residents. Families, seniors, young people, local businesses, community organizations, new residents and lifelong residents all have a stake in our future. Residents’ tax dollars fund Council’s decisions. People deserve to be heard, respected and included.

Plan for the long term. Where do we want our community to be in five, ten or twenty years? How do we welcome new families and businesses while keeping our small town character? How do we protect our bilingual heritage while ensuring residents have access to essential health care and emergency services? Growth should be planned, not simply allowed to happen.

Make growth sustainable. New development puts demands on roads, water, sewer, drainage, schools, recreation, parks and emergency services. Council needs to plan for those needs and be honest about what the community can afford.
As we grow, our fire, police and ambulance services must be part of the conversation from the start, and ensure that our province assists in funding them appropriately.

I would like to build strong relationships. Working well with neighboring municipalities, other levels of government, town committees, school divisions, sports and nonprofit organizations, and developers can help us meet needs that we cannot address alone,

Stay open to good ideas. “We’ve always done it this way” is not a reason to stop asking questions. New ideas deserve thoughtful consideration, backed by evidence: What does the data tell us? What do residents want? What will it cost now and in the future? what grants or partnerships available?

I don’t have all the answers, but i have the ability to listen and work collectively with other decision makers. I do care deeply about this community, and I’m willing to work hard for the best outcome, and make thoughtful decisions. Please reach out with your comments, concerns or ideas

Email: maranda.lanouette@gmail.com 

1. What is your experience with a council.

a) Attended at least 1 meeting

b) Was a Council member

c) Involved in a board

d) None of the above

2. What would you like to see remain the same in the Town of Ste Anne? What would you like to see changed?

One of the things my wife and I fell in love with when we moved to Sainte Anne in 2017 was the welcoming, small-town atmosphere. We quickly discovered that this is a community where neighbors look out for one another, volunteers step up when needed, and people genuinely care about where they live. That's something I would never want to see change.
I would also like to see our local Police Department continue receiving the training and resources needed to keep up with the changing demands of policing and maintain the safety of our community. One area I would like to see improve is access to healthcare. Having more permanent doctors and nurses at the Ste. Anne Hospital would be a tremendous benefit to residents and help provide greater consistency in local healthcare services. While I recognize that healthcare staffing isn't solely a municipal responsibility, I believe it's important for our town to advocate for the needs of its residents.
As Sainte Anne continues to grow, I believe we need to preserve our small-town character while planning responsibly for the future, maintaining our infrastructure, supporting local businesses, and ensuring our town remains a wonderful place for families and seniors .My goal isn't to change what makes Sainte Anne special, but to help build on it.

3. With the cost of living on the rise, how would you maintain services while not raising taxes?

I recognize that families and seniors are feeling the pressure of rising costs, and I believe the Town has a responsibility to be just as mindful of its spending as the people who live here.
Before suggesting specific changes or making promises about taxes, I would want to thoroughly review the Town's financial statements and understand its current financial position, commitments, and operating costs. Without that information, I don't believe it would be fair or responsible to suggest that I have all the answers. My approach would be to carefully review spending, prioritize essential services, and look for opportunities to improve efficiency without compromising the services residents depend on.
I would also support exploring available grants, partnerships, and alternative funding opportunities to help offset costs wherever possible. I believe in making informed decisions, asking questions, and ensuring that residents receive the best possible value for their tax dollars. Every tax dollar matters, and residents deserve to know it's being spent responsibly.

4. What would be a strategy you would use to communicate with town residents as a councilor?

I believe good communication starts with being approachable, available, and willing to listen. Through my involvement with the Ste. Anne Lions Club, Seine River Services for Seniors, the Ste. Anne Food Bank, Heartfelt Lunches for the 55+ community, and the Ste. Anne Hospital Heliport, I've had the opportunity to meet and speak with many residents. As a councillor, I would continue making time for one-on-one conversations and encourage residents to attend Town Hall and council meetings. I would also welcome opportunities for regular community discussions where residents can ask questions, share concerns, and offer suggestions.
I believe it's equally important to keep residents informed about decisions being made by council, using existing town communication channels and other accessible ways of sharing information. My involvement in local organizations has allowed me to build relationships throughout the community, and I would continue to make myself available to residents. Communication should be a two-way street. It's not just about telling residents what's happening, but making sure they have an opportunity to be heard.

5. What is your platform goal? What would you like the residents to know about you and your campaign?

My name is Mike Bernier, and I am proud to be running for a position on Sainte Anne Town Council. I was born and raised in Montreal, Quebec, and relocated to Manitoba in 1989 following a family business relocation in the railway industry. My wife and I have two adult children and six grandchildren. In 2017, we decided to make Sainte Anne our home, and from the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with open arms.
It didn't take long for us to realize this was where we wanted to put down roots. Since retiring, I've dedicated much of my time to giving back to the community through organizations including the Ste. Anne Food Bank, Seine River Services for Seniors, the Ste. Anne Hospital Heliport, Heartfelt Lunches for the 55+ community, and the Ste. Anne Lions Club, where I currently serve as President. These experiences have allowed me to meet many wonderful people, develop lasting friendships, and gain a greater appreciation for the needs of our community. My goal is simple: to help keep Sainte Anne moving forward while preserving the things that make it such a wonderful place to call home. I believe in responsible spending, maintaining essential services, supporting our community organizations, and ensuring residents have a voice in decisions that affect them.
I'm not running because I believe I have all the answers. I'm running because I care about this town, believe in working together, and want to contribute my time, experience, and common sense to the decisions that shape its future. Sainte Anne has given my family a wonderful place to call home, and I would be honored to have the opportunity to give back by serving its residents on Town Council.

Email: mabernier25@shaw.ca
Phone: 204-995-2956

1. What is your experience with a council.
a) Attended at least 1 meeting
b) involved in a board
c) Was a Council member
d) None of the above

2. What would you like to see remain the same in the Town of Ste Anne? What would you like to see changed?

What I would like to see remain the same is the strong sense of community that makes Ste. Anne such a great place to call home. Having lived here my entire life, I value the small-town feel, the people who support one another, and the opportunities for families and youth to get involved in sports and community activities. I want to preserve that sense of connection and community pride as our town continues to grow.
What I would like to see change is continued improvement in our recreational facilities and programs, opportunities for all residents, and communication between the Town and its residents. As Ste. Anne grows, I believe we need to plan responsibly for the future, make thoughtful decisions about how tax dollars are spent, and ensure residents feel heard and informed. I would like to see us continue building on what already makes Ste. Anne special while finding practical ways to make our community even better for everyone.

3. With the cost of living on the rise, how would you maintain services while not raising taxes?

With the cost of living continuing to rise, I believe it is important for the Town to be responsible with taxpayers’ money while maintaining the services residents rely on. I would focus on reviewing spending, finding opportunities to improve efficiency, and prioritizing the services and projects that provide the greatest benefit to our community.
I would also support transparent financial reporting so residents can understand where their tax dollars are going and what results they are getting. I believe the Town should explore available grants and funding opportunities from other levels of government to help offset costs where possible.
While rising costs can make it challenging to maintain the same tax rates, I believe every option should be explored to control expenses and find savings before considering a tax increase. My goal would be to make thoughtful financial decisions that in turn respect taxpayers, and support the long-term future of Ste. Anne.

4. What would be a strategy you would use to communicate with town residents as a councillor?

My strategy would be to make communication with residents a priority by being approachable, accessible, and willing to listen. I believe communication should be a two-way conversation, where residents not only receive updates from the Town but also have meaningful opportunities to share their concerns, ideas, and feedback.
I would use a variety of methods, including social media, email, phone calls, and conversations with residents in the community, to help keep people informed and make it easier for them to reach me. I would also support clear and regular updates on council decisions, ongoing projects, and how taxpayer dollars are being spent.
Most importantly, I would make an effort to listen to residents with an open mind, follow up on their concerns, and communicate honestly about what can be done. Even when there isn't an immediate solution, I believe people deserve to know that their concerns have been heard and taken seriously. My goal would be to ensure residents feel informed, respected, and that their voices matter in shaping the future of Ste. Anne.

5. What is your platform goal? What would you like the residents to know about you and your campaign?

My platform is focused on helping Ste. Anne continue to grow into a community we can all be proud to call home. Having lived here my entire life, I care deeply about this town and want to contribute to its future in a meaningful way.
My priorities include improving recreational facilities, programs and opportunities for our all ages, listening to residents and making sure their voices are heard, being responsible and transparent with taxpayer dollars, supporting local businesses, and encouraging smart, sustainable growth.
I want residents to know that I am not running because I believe I have all the answers. I am running because I care about our community, I am willing to listen and learn, and I want to work collaboratively with fellow councillors, Town staff, and residents to find solutions.
If elected, I will bring a fresh perspective, a willingness to work hard, and a genuine commitment to the people of Ste. Anne. My goal is to help build on what makes our town special while working toward a future that benefits residents, families and local businesses.

Email: Zac.cumming@outlook.com
Phone: 204-371-5180