The MLA for Dawson Trail says he has received amazing support since becoming an Independent representative.
In March, Bob Lagasse announced he will serve and seek re-election as an Independent representative for Dawson Trail, saying the decision is about ensuring the people of the riding come before party politics.
Lagasse says since making that announcement, the response from constituents has been amazing, noting his office has received only one phone call from an upset individual. Lagasse says he has the support of his executive, who made the move alongside him. He notes donors have also committed to supporting his campaign in the next election.
"So things have been quite positive," he adds.
Lagasse says he is able to accomplish more as an Independent
When it comes to the legislative floor, Lagasse says he is finding that as an Independent, he is able to get more things done.
"Because I'm not perceived as that enemy that's trying to trap them up," he explains. "I'm generally just asking questions, and those questions are about constituent concerns and what their concerns are and what's going on in the riding. So I've been getting answers, which has been nice."
Lagasse uses the example of an issue he raised shortly after making the shift to being Independent. He raised an issue with the NDP about taxation of Paradise Village. Lagasse says that within a couple of days, that issue was resolved.
"It's opened a lot of doors for me and the constituents of Dawson Trail," he confirms. "I definitely feel a lot lighter and a lot more free to represent my constituents now that I'm sitting as an Independent."
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Meanwhile, the spring sitting of the Manitoba Legislature ended Monday. Lagasse uses the word "toxic" to describe the mood inside the Legislature. He notes that as an Independent, he now has the chance to sit back and watch it unfold.
"Not that I didn't realize it before, but I guess it became more glaring, the fact that there's not a lot that's happening on that legislative floor that is constituency related, or answering the questions for your constituent," he suggests.
Lagasse says his opinion is that what is happening in the Legislature is about MLAs trying to score political points. He adds it is a constant battle of accusations by the NDP towards the Progressive Conservatives, and finger-pointing by the Progressive Conservatives towards the NDP.
"And it's never really about the constituency and the constituents," he adds.
Lagasse says he shocked everyone this spring when he voted in favour of the NDP budget. The Dawson Trail MLA says he voted in favour because the budget includes a school for Ste. Anne, which lies in his constituency. And, because the budget is not voted on line by line, Lagasse says he felt inclined to vote in favour of the whole package.
"I wasn't going to vote down a budget that supported one of the communities in getting a school," he explains.
Lagasse says one issue that he feels he can now be more vocal on as an Independent is the topic of Sio Silica. Lagasse says as a PC MLA, he was told not to talk about the proposed mining project, but now as an Independent, he is asking questions. He is seeking answers on the potential impact on groundwater, public safety, and local communities.
"I'm finding now without that caucus constraint, I don't have to answer to anyone but the constituents and their concerns," he adds. "It's been quite freeing in that respect."
Lagasse also has an opinion about the marathon sitting at the tail end of the spring session, which had MLAs working through the night.
"You go in there, and you know you are not going to win those votes anyway," suggests Lagasse. "So you decide you are going to ring the bells for an hour in order to have some sort of political win?"
Lagasse says in reality, all they did was delay the sitting and cost taxpayers by keeping staff working for 30 hours.
"I guess I'm becoming more aware of how the party system doesn't actually work for Manitobans," he says.
What's next for Lagasse?
With the Legislature now adjourned until September, Lagasse says he will use this time to continue meeting with constituents, which will include door-knocking and holding a constituency barbecue. Lagasse says he will also hopefully gain some traction towards an Independent movement, noting he will meet with others across the province who are tired of the party system.
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