Portage residents took the opportunity to meet their candidates in the upcoming provincial election last night, and many appreciated the opportunity. Two of the three constituency candidates were able to attend the event, Liberal Stephen Prince, and Progressive Conservative Ian Wishart. The NDP's Alex Macdonald was not in attendance. Leona Legary was one Portager to take in the event, and while she says it was disappointing to see only two candidates there, and fewer in attendance than she expected, it was a great opportunity to discuss a number of issues.

"We were talking about Disability Matters 2016, wages, recycling, all those kinds of things that matter to most people. Also, the roads that need to be repaired and stuff like that."

Meanwhile RM of Portage councillor Terry Simpson was another attendee at the meet and greet. He used the opportunity to speak about issues specific to the Portage area, and says much of his conversation focused on flood mitigation in the province.

"We got talking about the flood ditch that's going to be made up north, and what the process has to be. I can see we're dealing with First Nations people and we need to make sure they're informed of everything that's going to take place. It's a benefit not just for southern Manitoba, but it's a benefit for people in the north."

He says the creation of the additional lake Manitoba outlet is something that's long overdue, adding it was achievable ten years ago, and it's still achievable now.

Voters go to the polls April 19th.