Winter Fedyk, Liberal Party of Canada

Personal details. Name, age, hometown

Winter Fedyk, age 40, Regina.

Tell us about yourself

I have called Regina-Lewvan home for 35 years. I grew up in the north end of the city, and went to McLurg elementary school and Martin Collegiate. I now live in the Cathedral area, with my house strategically located half a block away from the ice cream shop. I have been a public servant for 20 years, and worked most recently as an executive director in Social Services. I am married with a 13-year-old son and an 11-year-old daughter, and we have the sweetest and stinky-est Golden Retriever named Stella.

What’s a little-known fact about you?

I won an award for poetry writing in 2010.

Why should voters hire you?

As a long-time, non-partisan public servant, I know how government works. I am committed to being a politician who people can trust to put their interests first over parroting nasty partisan talking points. I want young people to see elected public service as an honourable profession.

Who should we call for a reference?

My mom would probably give me a good reference, but if she isn’t available feel free to reach out to anyone on my Facebook friends list.

What is your greatest strength? What is your greatest weakness?

My greatest strength is the fact that I like to read and learn new things. My greatest weakness is my lack of patience when it takes too long to get things done.

Where do you stand on:

Gun laws? I am in favour of responsible and balanced gun laws that protect people from crime while respecting the rights of law-abiding gun owners — of which there are many in Saskatchewan. Any gun control must respect Saskatchewan’s unique rural culture, as well as Indigenous rights.

The need for more pipelines? I am in favour of the pipelines that are currently planned for construction. Transporting our resources across the country by pipeline is much safer than shipping them by rail, which we’re currently doing.

Western alienation? I can see it building, and I don’t like it. I think Saskatchewan would be well-served by sending more Liberal MPs to Ottawa to represent their interests in government.

China? What should our approach be with some of our markets blocked? I have worked at Foreign Affairs Canada and am confident that Canadians are represented by some of the best diplomats in the world — not to mention our minister of foreign affairs who has been working tirelessly on our behalf. In today’s uncertain international order, they have a tough job, but I believe they are balancing Canadian concerns around human rights and the need for positive economic relations.

Are we facing a climate change crisis? Is carbon tax the answer? Climate change is one of the most challenging policy issues of our time. The conversation we should be having as Canadians is not whether we should do something about it, but what. The carbon tax is recognized by economists and other experts as one of the most efficient policy instruments in the climate change toolbox, but it isn’t the only one. Addressing climate change presents an opportunity for Canada to become a leader on the world stage for new technologies and renewable energy.

It’s a day off and you can do anything you want. What would it be?

Sleep in, not shower, drink a pot of coffee and read the news, do laundry, take my dog to the dog park, nap, then hang out with my husband and kids while watching some binge-worthy shows on Netflix. Maybe go to the gym between reading the news and doing the laundry to feel like I accomplished *something*, but that’s not 100 per cent necessary.

Who inspires you?

The people in our community who work in front-line jobs that give selflessly to others — i.e., social workers, teachers, crisis intervention workers, nurses, police officers, etc. In other words, the excellent public servants that we have in this province who can’t close their office doors when they need a break. I am constantly amazed by them and so grateful for their dedication to making Regina and Canada the great place to live that it is.

What is your hidden talent?

Starting a campfire.

What do you wish you could do but can’t?

Sing.

Who are the three people, dead or alive, that you’d love to have dinner with?

Barack Obama, Mick Jagger, and Gwyneth Paltrow. But only with all three at the same time.

How do you take your coffee?

Depends on the time of day. Cream for the first cup of the day, black for the rest of the morning, then cream and sugar if I have a cup at night with dessert (which is a rare treat).

What’s the one album you’d take with you on a desert island? What embarrassing song do you admit to on your playlist?

Tragically Hip, Fully Completely, or Elton John, Live in Australia. Embarrassing song? You’re The Reason Our Kids Are Ugly by Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty.