In this episode of WINNIPEG VOTES 2026, host Graham McDonald spoke with registered Winnipeg mayoral candidate Joshua Pagdato about his campaign for the city’s top office.
Pagdato said Winnipeg is experiencing “overlapping systems failures” involving housing, addictions, affordability, and public safety, and argued those issues require a coordinated response.
His platform includes expanding prefabricated housing, increasing access to addictions treatment, and positioning Winnipeg as a national hub for housing manufacturing. He also proposed creating after-school skilled trades opportunities for high school students as a way to encourage young people to stay in school.
During the interview, Pagdato revealed he has already drafted 17 proposed bylaws that he says he would bring forward if elected.
“I don’t want any more pressure on the housing market for my generation,” Pagdato said, adding that he wants to create more opportunities for people to enter the middle class.
Disclaimer: As part of U Multicultural’s 2026 Winnipeg Municipal Election Coverage, candidates were invited to share messages with our audience. This video represents the candidate’s own statement and does not constitute an endorsement by U Multicultural.
Graham McDonald, U Multicultural Journalism and Media Arts Centre