A third candidate has announced his intention to seek the Progressive Conservative nomination in the newly formed Borderland constituency.

Don Cruickshank, who was a candidate for Winkler city council last fall, says he has always had a keen interest in politics and has a vision for the Borderland riding.

"The reason I'm interested is that I want to use my servant leadership, my gift of speaking, learning, teaching and being a voice for others that don't have a voice. I really love Borderland and want to represent their concerns at the provincial level."

The heavy burden of education taxes on farmland, the federal carbon tax and the impending neonic ban on seed treatment are key issues for farmers in the region, according to Cruickshank

He also cites the need for skilled and qualified labour in the region as a huge issue for local businesses and manufacturers. He supports maintaining local school boards and feels Manitobans are being taxed too much.

"If nominated as the PC Party of Manitoba candidate for Borderland, I pledge to work diligently on lowering taxes so families have more money at the end of the month to spend on things that matter most to them."

Cruickshank and his wife Crystal have been married for 13 years and live in Winkler with their two children. He has a masters in leadership and management, was involved in youth ministry for a number of years and recently started a leadership and training consulting business.

The fact that Cruickshank lives in the Morden-Winkler constituency and not in Borderland is a non-issue for him.

"At this stage, it probably doesn't make a difference. If I move into Borderland now, what am I going to say? That I have lived in the riding for three weeks? The reality is that Winkler is encompassed within Borderland and so when they tell me that I don't live in Borderland, that's no problem. Any decision that I lobby for certainly won't be for my benefit."

The Borderland constituency encompasses a variety of communities and cultures on either side of the Red River and Cruickshank says he's committed to gaining a broader knowledge of the issues that are important to people in the riding.

"Each community has some uniqueness and diversity ... and anybody who says that they're familiar with everybody's concerns in Borderland in every community is probably reaching. My intention is to go to all the communities and hear their concerns to add to the knowledge I already have so that I am accurately reflecting their thoughts, hopes, dreams, and concerns."

Two other candidates, Altona residents Jordan Siemens and Verna Heinrichs, have also declared their intention to seek the Conservative nomination in Borderland.

It is anticipated a vote for the PC party nomination in Borderland will be held in April.