Dupuis seeks NDP nomination for Brandon West

Brandon University’s co-operative education program co-ordinator seeks to become the Manitoba NDP candidate for Brandon West.

Cora Dupuis said her years of community-building and public service have prepared her to represent the constituency.

The educator is expected to seek the party’s nomination at a meeting scheduled for Aug. 6 at Harvest Hall on the Brandon University campus.

Dupuis, who has led the co-operative education program for seven years, said the community leadership she witnessed while growing up in rural Manitoba inspired her decision to enter provincial politics.

“I grew up in a rural community, and I saw how our local representatives showed up in the community, and it was something that I always admired,” she told the Sun on Sunday. “A number of months ago, when Glen Simard asked if I would consider running for politics, for me it was a full-body yes.”

If selected as the NDP candidate, Dupuis said her campaign would focus on the issues ‘residents have consistently raised’ while she canvassed in Brandon West.

“I’ve been out knocking on doors and talking to people, and what I hear time after time, door after door, is that health care is really important, and so is lowering the cost of living,” she said. “For me, those would be the priorities here in Brandon West, and they also happen to be the priorities of the NDP.”

Brandon West is currently represented by Progressive Conservative MLA Wayne Balcaen, who won the riding in the 2023 provincial election.

Dupuis acknowledged the riding has been competitive in recent elections but said she believes voters are ready for a change.

She said the former NDP candidate Quentin Robinson’s performance in the last election laid important groundwork for the party.

“I think the voters of Brandon West are ready too,” Dupuis said. “People are tired of the PCs, who take them for granted, and they worry that under Obby Khan’s leadership, they would just continue to cut health care in our region again. If I am the selected candidate, I’m ready to lead for the NDP for Brandon West, and I think voters are ready for a change too.”

Manitoba NDP secretary Evan Krosney said Dupuis was approved as a nomination contestant on July 14, and a candidate will officially be nominated on Aug. 6.

“We know people in Brandon West are looking for a change,” Krosney said. “Wab Kinew’s NDP will keep rebuilding health care, with more doctors and nurses on the front lines. We’ll keep making life more affordable, with tangible steps to lower food costs and help with the monthly bills.”

Dupuis said seeking elected office would not leave Brandon University’s co-op program without leadership.

She said the university’s collective agreement allows employees to serve in public office and said she would only step away from her current role if elected.

“If I am elected, then I would step into a new role, and someone wonderful will step into the co-op program,” she said. “I’ve no doubt that they would do a good job leading the strong foundation that I’ve built.”

Dupuis said she is proud of the program’s growth during her tenure.

“When I arrived here seven years ago, there were 10 students in the program. This summer there were 57,” she said. “I’ve demonstrated that I can add a lot of value. If I have a bigger stage and a bigger portfolio, I’m going to continue doing great work no matter where I go, and I’ll leave the program in a great place so that whoever takes over can continue building on that great start.”

In her social media announcement, Dupuis described her candidacy as a continuation of her commitment to public service.

“Throughout my career, I’ve believed that leadership is about creating opportunities for others. Public service feels like a natural extension of that commitment,” she stated.

She also said conversations with residents while canvassing had reinforced her belief that “meaningful change starts by listening” and thanked supporters who had encouraged her campaign.

The Manitoba NDP will choose its Brandon West candidate at a nomination meeting on Aug. 6, with doors opening at 6 p.m. and proceedings beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Harvest Hall, Brandon University.

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