A retired company officer for CN Rail is hoping to be the next MLA for Midland. 

Liberal candidate (James) Jim Kane now focuses his time on being a community activist. Kane has been actively advocating in the area of public health and was awarded the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 for that service.

"I've been politically engaged, and I feel passionate about where the province is heading, and that's why I'm running," said Kane. "I believe that people need a choice. And if you're dissatisfied with the Conservatives and you don't trust the NDP, you can park your vote with me."

A priority Kane feels needs addressing in the area of public health, is a reported deterioration of service within some personal care homes within the province.

"In our platform, where we're calling for a senior's advocate independent from the government who can blow the whistle on situations that are not acceptable, is an important step because I believe our seniors deserve to be served with respect and dignity."

Kane says dealing with medical professional shortages in all areas of public health is also a key priority for him.

"One of the things I'm excited about in the platform is creating a new Brandon Campus of the University of Manitoba Medical School," The Brandon Campus would focus on training people who want to work in rural and northern Manitoba.

Kane says the 4-point program the Liberals have put together to address concerns in public health is a long-term plan that will help address some of the needs in rural Manitoba and the north.

"There's no immediate relief, other than hiring as many people as we can," noted Kane. 

Kane says it's a challenging time right now for many people. He said some of the things they need to do to address that, is it to make sure those who are the most vulnerable, economically, are taken care of.

- With files from Candace Derksen -