The Portage la Prairie and District Chamber of Commerce, alongside the Portage Community Revitalization Corporation (PCRC), hosted a candidates’ coffee event ahead of the federal election, offering residents face time with local contenders. Candidates who showed up included Conservative Branden Leslie, Liberal Robert Kreis, and People’s Party of Canada Kevin Larson. Green Party candidate Janine Gibson could not attend and submitted a video to relate her platform to the guests, and NDP Lisa Tessier-Burch could not attend.
Stefanie Dunn, the chamber’s executive director, emphasizes the partnership’s role in fostering community health.
“PCRC tackles facets that might not fall under my chamber hat but contribute to a healthy economic community,” Dunn says.
Partnership aims to strengthen community ties
Dunn notes both organizations share a vested interest in civic engagement, even as voters increasingly rely on digital research. The breakfast provided informal opportunities to connect with candidates representing Portage-Lisgar, a riding encompassing Portage la Prairie and surrounding areas.