Makeup of Steinbach's politics changing as October election looms

Makeup of Steinbach's politics changing as October election looms

For the 1st time, 2 members of Steinbach's immigrant community run for city council

Two candidates are seeking to change the face of Steinbach city council come election day on October 28.

Mitesh Kumar was born in India, and Greg Carlos in the Philippines.

The traditionally Mennonite city has never had a member of Steinbach's visible minority community on council.

Forty percent of residents are first or second-generation Canadians, according to the 2021 census. It's a big reason why the city doubled its population in 20 years, becoming Manitoba's third-largest.

"I really do believe that a new face, a new perspective, new background will be a great opportunity for Steinbach to grow more," said Carlos.

He moved to Steinbach with his parents and siblings in 2007, two years after coming to Canada, and is the first Filipino candidate to ever run.

There are 1,500 Filipinos living in Steinbach.

Carlos said he hopes to continue welcoming newcomers to keep up the momentum of population, economic, and cultural growth.

"I think (Steinbach) attracts a lot of people because they know that it's basically about culture, it's about heritage, and this is who we are. And they feel that they are welcome because we welcome them," said Carlos.

Kumar has felt that spirit of welcoming since he moved to Steinbach 10 years ago.

After moving from India 20 years ago to live in Toronto and then Calgary, he was drawn in by Steinbach's heritage.

He said it's something he wants to preserve as the city moves into a diverse future.

"I think what it was was great. It has worked. That's why we are here. That's why we get mentioned everywhere, all over Canada in many positive ways. So that has its own importance," said Kumar.

He ran once for council in 2018, coming in last in a field of 10 with 687 votes.

Kumar said he has met many more people since then, and said his neighbours have been giving him advice on his election priorities.

"I personally don't (see immigrant candidates) like some newcomers coming in. I'm part of the community. I'm a citizen, and I'm connected to the concerns which people have," he said.

'I want my kids to grow up here'

Kumar said he plans to knock on all 7,000-plus doors in the city.

He's been using artificial intelligence elements in his campaign social media videos for people he doesn't reach at the door.

In one, police vehicle produced by a generative AI tool sits in front of the Jake Epp Public Library while Kumar talks about buying a mobile security camera unit.

"All the content, all the ideas, all the priorities is what the focus is. And I am also showing them, in a way which is more interactive," said Kumar.

If elected, Kumar said he'll treat being councillor as a full-time job without asking for a raise in the part-time position.

He will do that, he said, by cutting his hours as a business consultant.

Both Kumar and Carlos were on the board for Steinbach's Summer in the City fair, which has a major attraction called Cultures in the City. Each it year holds ceremonies for new Canadian citizens.

Carlos is already politically involved in the community as vice president of the Steinbach PC Association, and as a board of Filipino Conservative Alliance of Manitoba.

City councillor and deputy mayor Michael Zwaagstra is not running again after being chosen as Steinbach's Progressive Conservative (PC) candidate in the next provincial election.

Carlos said he plans to stay involved in those organizations.

He said his focus in the election campaign will be on safety, one of the things that drew his family to Steinbach in the first place.

"I know my parents, my family, my kids and I, we're going to be OK. We're going to be safe," said Carlos.

Another draw was the area's strong faith community.

"We have so many churches here, and I'm a Christian so I believe in God. And this is a place that I want to be, and I want my kids to grow up here as well," said Carlos.

Both candidates plan on seeking provincial help and continuing to champion non-profit assistance when it comes to the issues of homelessness and a seniors housing shortage.

Nominations for municipal council are open until Sept. 22.

Christopher Gareau is a CBC Manitoba reporter based in Steinbach who covers the province's southeastern region. He has previously covered southeastern Manitoba in print, and worked in radio and print in northwestern B.C. and southwestern Ontario. You can reach him at christopher.gareau@cbc.ca.