Tracy Muggli, Liberal Party of Canada

Personal details. Name, age, hometown

Tracy Muggli, 54. I was born and raised in Muenster. I’ve lived in Saskatoon since 1984 with the exception of 1988-89 in Wynyard, and 1995-96 in Ottawa where I attended Carleton University.

Tell us about yourself

I am a registered social worker with 31 years experience in various sectors, including Social Services, Corrections, Home Care (Client Patient Access Services), the Settlement sector, and now as the Director of Mental Health and Addiction Services (Saskatchewan Health Authority).

I have also engaged in and developed strong ties to my community through volunteerism, including parent council leadership roles with my son’s schools (Georges Vanier and Aden Bowman), community board participation (Saskatchewan Intercultural Association, Saskatoon Open Door Society, St. Peter’s College in Muenster), Saskatoon Community Foundation) and a number of other volunteer roles with a variety of community organizations.

I have lived in Avalon for 22 years, and in the Saskatoon-Grasswood riding for most of my adult life. My son Ayden is an environmental engineering student at the U of S, and a musician.

What’s a little-known fact about you?

I have great passion for many genres of music, but I would acknowledge a bias for the Rolling Stones, who I have seen perform live three times in three provinces.

Why should voters hire you?

I have demonstrated my commitment to the community, through my work as a professional, but also through my volunteerism. I have initiated dozens of programs in my community within these roles and have a proven record of getting things done. Most recently, I served as a board member with the Saskatoon Community Foundation where I helped to initiate the Community Fund for Reconciliation.

Who should we call for a reference?

I have worked very closely with multiple agencies to deliver a high quality of service. This includes the Saskatoon Police Service, the school divisions and many community-based organizations serving those who struggle with mental health and substance use disorders. I believe executive members of these organizations would be happy to confirm our productive and collaborative work together.

What is your greatest strength? What is your greatest weakness?

Strength: Determination. I like to see projects through and ensure all viewpoints are heard and integrated through to final implementation. I am inclusive of all perspectives and enjoy working with and among diversity in our community.

Weaknesses: I say yes a lot, thus taxing my personal time, but I really enjoy being involved in many of the interesting initiatives in our community

Where do you stand on:

Gun laws? I support the current gun legislation and the Liberal announcement to ban assault-style weapons.

The need for more pipelines? Strategic investment in our natural resource sector is important. Decisions for future pipelines should coincide with plans to move to an economy less dependent on fossil fuels. In Saskatchewan we have tremendous opportunities to build our economy around our agriculture sector and the need to feed the world.

Western alienation? Unfortunately there has been a lot of misinformation circulating in regard to investment in the West. The Liberal government has invested heavily in the West. Saskatchewan has received more funding for infrastructure per capita than any other province. The University of Saskatchewan has also received significant funding toward research and innovation, including $77.8 million for the World Water Futures initiative at the U of S. As an elected MP, I would continue to advocate for investments in Saskatchewan, particularly in areas where we thrive, such as agriculture.

China? What should our approach be with some of our markets blocked? Canada has a strong negotiating team and will persevere to ensure we have access to all markets. We now have a new ambassador and we are challenging China at the WTO over its ban on Canadian canola seeds. China has refused to show any evidence of the pests it claims are in Canadian canola. Canada is also the only country in the G7 to have trade agreements with all other G7 countries, giving Canada access to significant markets around the globe.

Are we facing a climate change crisis? Is carbon tax the answer? There is no question that we are in a climate crisis. The science is clear and we must act now. A price on pollution is one evidence-based strategy, among others, that will help us to lower emissions and protect the air and water we rely on by changing consumer behaviour to adopting an energy-efficient lifestyle.

It’s a day off and you can do anything you want. What would it be?

I will probably go and see the new Downton Abbey movie, or stay at home and check out a new series on Netflix.

Who inspires you?

I am inspired by so many of the new small business owners in Saskatoon. I admire their creativity, initiative and forward-thinking in finding markets that can be expanded globally, especially in the tech sector. I am also inspired by the clients and patients I work with every day who, in spite of many challenges, persevere, move through recovery, and then help others in their recovery journey.

What is your hidden talent?

I can ride my bike with no hands (but wearing a helmet)!

What do you wish you could do but can’t?

Play the piano. My son is a talented player, and I now regret quitting lessons when I was a kid.

Who are the three people, dead or alive, that you’d love to have dinner with?

Maya Angelou, Rosa Parks and Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

How do you take your coffee?

Straight up! With the exception of the occasional latte.

What’s the one album you’d take with you on a desert island? What embarrassing song do you admit to on your playlist?

Desert island: Probably complicated jazz or classical as I would have a lot of time to unpack it!

Embarrassing song: Grease soundtrack.

What is your guilty pleasure?

Bulk Cheese Warehouse.

What is the last book you read?

Becoming Michelle Obama.

What is your favourite TV show? What are you binge watching?

Favourite show: The news!

Binge watching: I am in a campaign, no time for binge-watching. Otherwise, many Netflix series, based on recommendations from friends.

What is your all-time favourite movie?

Of Mice and Men. So powerful.