Damir Stipanovic, a first-generation Canadian whose parents emigrated from Yugoslavia, is a newcomer to the world of politics.

Mr. Stipanovic, is a former Air Traffic Controller, veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces, and a dedicated husband and father of three, who cares about his community and this country.

Mr. Stipanovic has long worked in the community, volunteering at Manitoba Harvest, the Arthritis Society, and through many other organizations.Like other Canadians, Mr. Stipanovic felt the impact of the rising cost of living and began to feel that succeeding in Canada was becoming harder and harder. In early 2023, Mr. Stipanovic took the opportunity to do something more about it and chose to run for elected office.

Concerned about his children and the future of Canada, Mr. Stipanovic is seized with the issue of inflation, and sees that many everyday groceries items have transformed from a staple to a luxury. When addressing these challenges, he firmly believes in fiscal responsibility. "That's what makes me a Conservative," says Stipanovic. He wants Canada to have a government that balances the budget, spends within its means, and exercises responsible stewardship of Canadians' tax dollars. Government accountability, for him, extends not only to sound policies, but also to a high bar for ethics and leadership. Ottawa needs a government that behaves ethically and is accountable to its citizens.

Given that Winnipeg South Centre boasts one of the highest populations of Jewish voters in any riding across Canada, its candidates must offer robust policy solutions and support for the Jewish community. A Conservative government, Mr. Stipanovic says, is committed to fighting against antisemitism. Over the past three years, there has been a rise in antisemitism, and this requires action. Mr. Stipanovic wants better resources given to the Jewish community for reporting incidents, better education in schools on the impacts of hatred, and, most importantly, harsher penalties for those who commit acts of face-based violence.

Mr. Stipanovic also strongly supports Israel and believes that movements like BDS, which have gained traction on college campuses and in civil society, must be called out as antisemitic. Mr. Stipanovic advocates for relocating the Canadian embassy to Jerusalem and aligning with the United States and other allies that affirm Israel's right to exist.

Mr. Stipanovic shares the concerns of residents in Winnipeg South Centre who worry about what lies ahead. From single mothers struggling to provide for their families, Jewish individuals who are fearful of antisemitic violence, to young individuals anxious about buying a house, he aims to represent and support their interests. He firmly believes that Canada holds immense potential, but it requires a competent government that is working for everyday Canadians.