About Judi
Early life
I was raised in the country, close to the small town of Waldheim, Saskatchewan, just north of Saskatoon. My father was a grain farmer and my mother a homemaker. My early years impressed on me the importance of a strong work ethic, community connections and family life.
Education and Work
When I graduated from high school I came to Manitoba to attend what is now Providence College, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. After that I moved to Winnipeg and worked in various jobs. My heart was always for working with and for people, so when I got the chance to work at Marymound, Inc. in a girls’ group home, I jumped at it. I stayed with Marymound for over 8 years.
For a few years I devoted more time to raising my small children and worked casually with MacDonald Youth Services and DASCH in front line service delivery , and at Booth College as an admissions counsellor.
I went back to school for a second degree and earned my Bachelor of Social Work from Booth College. Since then I have worked for Healthy Child Manitoba Office with the Government of Manitoba, I have been self-employed as a consultant, worked in the mental health field with Sara Riel, and worked in the fetal alcohol spectrum disorder field with Mount Carmel Clinic.
Political Interest
My interest in politics has grown steadily over the years. It started small when, as a youth care worker, I remember hearing about a budget change under the Filmon government, and suddenly we could not get the extra hours we needed to work with youth whose behaviour was particularly problematic, which caused concern both for the development of the youth, and the well-being and safety of the people around them.
It was my training as a social worker that instilled in me a greater understanding of policy and a desire to be a person who brings change at government levels. I increased my advocacy work. I have advocated for the recognition of degrees from smaller colleges at our provinces universities, and have seen progress happen in that area. I have advocated for foster parents, birth parents and children in care so that families can get the support they need and the best interests of children are the top consideration by the people making the decisions. Where there has been receptivity to hearing concerns and working together, I have seen improvements. Where concerns are ignored by government and government agencies, there has been little growth.
One of the issues I became concerned about was workplace bullying. I had read and understood a great deal about workplace bullying, and began to hear more and more stories from Manitobans who have been bullied in the workplace. I came into contact with Jon Gerrard, and we started working together on the issue.
It did not take me long to start to explore other areas of concern with Jon and other members of the Liberal party. I liked that Liberals have the goal of being socially progressive and fiscally responsible. I asked hard questions, and got reasonable, well-thought out answers. I was especially impressed with the emphasis on developing evidence-based responses to issues. I found the place to fit in politics, where I can do the best work possible.
Personal
My husband, Rob, and I married in 1995. We have three children: Taryn, Ashlin and Conor. We moved to Concordia in 2007 and quickly felt at home here. Our children attend our local school, we love sledding at the Kimberly hills and swimming at the Elmwood Kildonans Pool, and we enjoy being part of Elmwood M.B. Church.
I believe in giving back to community with my time and efforts and that has resulted in my leading a women’s retreat for 7 years, and serving on the Board of Governors for the University of Manitoba and the Board of Directors for the Family Support Centre.
I am excited about the chance to represent and advocate for the people of Concordia. I believe that good changes can happen, and I’m willing to work hard to get there.
