Not only does the Progressive Conservative (PC) candidate for Midland feel she has a strong understanding of how business operates but has advocated on behalf of businesses to governments to advance capital projects and economic growth.

For 15 years, Lauren Stone worked in the Agri food and manufacturing sector. That includes working for Manitoba Beef Producers, managing corporate affairs for Cargil. For the last six years, she's been running her own consulting firm doing government relations and business development. All of this, noted Stone, has allowed her to advance economic opportunities for industries right here in Manitoba.

"So not only do I have a strong understanding of how business operates but having advocated on behalf of businesses to governments to advance capital projects and economic growth. What I can tell you from those experiences is that governments make a big difference in creating a strong pro-invest climate. Our PC team understands that we need to grow our economy in order to pay for all the services that Manitobans rely on, and that's one of the reasons that I'm running."

Additionally, the mother of two from La Salle says she is running for the future of her children and all children as well as future generations, adding she wants the next generation to grow up in a province that fosters success.

"I want to advance job opportunity and strengthen our small communities so that our youth actually choose to stay here, to live, to work, and to raise their own families," said Stone. "I care deeply about our rural communities, and I recognize the vital importance that they have on our province and in our provincial economy, and as your voice for Midland, I want to share our story and make us even stronger."

As for what she's hearing from constituents out on the campaign trail, Stone says affordability makes up most of the conversation.

"Things are difficult right now in terms of cost of living, whether it's the cost of groceries, gas, home heating," she said. "If elected, first and foremost, I want to stand up for families by helping make life more affordable. Working to eliminate the education property tax levy that unfairly punishes farmers, businesses and Manitobans in general. And also eliminating the payroll tax that really hurts our small businesses. This is why our PC party is trying to help Manitobans make ends meet by increasing the personal tax exemption rate, providing a 50% rebate on education property tax levies and if re-elected, continue to implement these types of tax rebates like removing the land transfer tax for first time homebuyers. We've picked the measures that will significantly help put money back into the pockets of families in Manitoba."

Infrastructure is another hot issue this election, noted Stone.

"I know firsthand that in order for our communities to thrive, we need to start prioritizing investment in our PTH and PR roads and make key investments in water infrastructure so that we do have access to the raw and potable water, because this is what supports the growth of our communities. We know that our economy grows, and businesses invest when we have the right infrastructure in place. So, there's already been significant investment in infrastructure through the PC government and into the 2023 budget, upwards of $4.1 billion, and Midland received a chunk of that funding with PTHs 75, 23, 3 and 2. But we know that there's more that needs to be done."

When it comes to healthcare, Stone says attracting the healthcare workers we need is a critical component to ensuring the prosperous regions in Midland can continue to grow.

"Ensuring our labor force is strong and fulfilled is one of the greatest challenges, not just in healthcare. but across many different areas in our province. Our healthcare shortage isn't something that is unique to Manitoba. It is a cross country challenge. The PC party and PC government has made significant strides in trying to deal with that. So, advancing the PC's Health Human Resources plan is a big component to attracting, training and retaining our healthcare workers in this province, including in our rural communities."

Voters head to the polls October 3rd. 

 

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