A familiar name will be on the ballot for Borderland constituency in the Manitoba provincial election slated for September 10, 2019. Ken Henry Jr., a former two-term Chief of the Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation, has been nominated as the local candidate for the Green Party of Manitoba.

"Everything made sense to me in terms of what the Greens are trying to accomplish and to make sure we have a voice," said Henry when asked why he wanted to enter the local race.

Ken Henry has been nominated as the Manitoba Green Party candidate for Borderland constituency. (Submitted photo)"Secondly, I love the Borderland area," he added, having grown up in the area before moving to Winnipeg to pursue further education.

Having an interest in politics most of his life, Henry worked two summers during college as a program officer for the Province of Manitoba in the Department of Education and Training. Henry also feels he's fostered good working relationships at the provincial level thanks to his nearly 10 years as a policy analyst for the Provincial-Territorial Organization where he's championed for and worked with 33 Northern Manitoba communities.

Overall, Henry feels people are starting to give his party a serious look when pondering their election options, adding you only have to look at how hard Elizabeth May has worked at the federal level and how she is no longer a part of one.

"I'm sure that there's a trickle effect that happens down from federal politics to provincial politics and we can build on that. Those are things that we are looking to do, to build up our party, make sure that people have strong voices in there and people who are very well qualified and have experience in politics such as myself," said Henry.

As for what he's hearing from voters while out on the campaign trail, Henry says there are a few things that keep coming up.

"I think what I'm hearing strongly out there is that there is a change coming in Borderland. Cliff (Graydon) has been a long-time member over there, so I keep hearing that it was time for a change," said Henry.

According to Henry, voters are also concerned with reducing poverty, improving healthcare and addressing climate change which he says are all main priorities of the Manitoba Green Party.

"We have actionable plans. They are costed out, they look very doable and they just need somebody who's going to go to the Legislature with a strong voice and hear the people," he added.

As for the remainder of the election, Henry says he plans to do a lot of door-knocking to get his party's message out and introduce himself to voters.