A second candidate has entered the race for the Progressive Conservative nomination in the newly formed Borderland constituency.

Verna Heinrichs of Altona says she would like to use her broad and considerable experience, as well as her proven track record of getting things done, to address several issues facing the area.

"The constituents that I have spoken to and strong people in leadership basically say that they want someone who has a reputation for advocating on their behalf and a proven track record, as well as the wisdom that experience brings, and also (an) understanding (of) the multiple issues that we're facing," she explained.

Agriculture is one of the items that Heinrichs has made a part of her platform.

"One of the issues for sure...is the reform that's really needed at the provincial level on education tax on farmland," she said, noting this has come up in many of her recent discussions with local farmers and food producers. Heinrichs added reform was something she advocated for at the Progressive Conservative annual meeting back in November.

She said farmers are also facing a number of regulations when it comes to the way food is produced and noted she has experience in looking at how those regulations impact the land and surrounding environment.

Healthcare is another area of focus for Heinrichs, including mental health.

"I am approached by a number of people who are concerned for mental health for farm families under stress...as they are dealing with variables that they simply don't have control over," she explained.

"We need to have ready access for them to go to and debrief with people who understand."

Heinrichs added the province also needs to take a look at how immigration can better fill the need for skilled labour.

Meantime, Heinrichs feels her unique background in international trade would be an asset to the job, adding she was the first woman to be elected to the Manitoba Exporters Association.

Additionally, she has served on the Manitoba Women's Advisory Council and says she was also part of the founding group to bring a Red River College campus to the region.

Heinrichs has been a lifelong resident of the area and a longtime PC delegate for the region.