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Though he now lives in eastern Manitoba, Liberal candidate Terry Hayward’s roots are firmly planted in Westman. Born and raised in Brandon, with parts of his youth spent in Pilot Mound and Holland, Hayward remains connected to the region—he even maintains ownership of the family farm near Beausejour. Speaking with interviewer Lyle Watson, Hayward made it clear that if elected, he would establish a residence in the Riding Mountain district while commuting as needed between the riding and Ottawa.

Commuting is nothing new for Hayward. Over a 33-year career with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and Canada’s external affairs department, he has lived and worked across the country and internationally—from Edmonton to Quebec City, Washington, D.C., and Wellington, New Zealand—spending his final working years commuting between Manitoba and Ottawa.

Hayward’s extensive background in agriculture and trade shapes much of his platform. He believes this experience positions him well to help address the growing tariff tensions with the U.S. and China, particularly as they affect Manitoba’s agricultural economy. Tackling tariffs is a major plank of the Liberal Party’s platform, and Hayward emphasizes that one immediate step is eliminating interprovincial trade barriers that fall within federal jurisdiction.

Beyond tariffs, Hayward stresses the need for market diversification to ensure Canadian products, especially those vital to Riding Mountain’s economy, find stable markets. He also sees an opportunity in strengthening domestic food processing to reduce reliance on imports and boost local industry.

“I do have a commitment to Riding Mountain. I have a commitment to its people,” Hayward says, underscoring his promise to be visible and accessible throughout the riding. He emphasizes that his goal is to listen to local voices and take their concerns to Ottawa—“[I will] take your words to Ottawa rather than bringing Ottawa words to you."