WINNIPEG — Crime, public safety, affordability, and housing dominated the conversation when Winnipeg mayoral candidate Umar Hayat joined Graham McDonald on U Multicultural Channel’s Winnipeg Votes 2026.
Hayat, a real estate professional making his second run for mayor, spoke candidly about what he hears while meeting residents across the city. “When I go door knocking, everyone’s talking about crime,” he said. “Crime and public safety, that’s Winnipeg’s mind.”
Drawing from his experience in business and international networking, Hayat argued that Winnipeg’s reputation affects investment decisions. According to him, investors often look at public safety indicators before deciding where to put their money. “When you have a safe Winnipeg, you have investments coming in, business growth, jobs,” he said.
One of the most discussed parts of his platform is a proposal for free transit. Hayat believes the idea would encourage ridership, reduce barriers for lower-income residents, and improve safety on buses by eliminating disputes over fares. “When you heard about you don’t need to pay and you have a bus coming to your doorstep, you’re definitely going to get the bus instead of a car,” he said.
The candidate also spoke extensively about homelessness and mental health. During years of volunteer and community work, he said he spent time speaking directly with vulnerable residents. One story that stayed with him involved a woman facing severe personal challenges despite coming from a highly educated family.
“Mental health can damage you anytime in life,” Hayat said, stressing the need for more social workers and community-based support.
Housing affordability was another major focus. Hayat says the city should work more closely with provincial and federal partners while speeding up zoning and permitting processes to increase housing supply.
Throughout the interview, Hayat repeatedly returned to one theme: accountability. If elected, he pledged to increase transparency at City Hall and review spending practices. “The first thing I’m going to do, open all books,” he said.
As Winnipeg’s municipal election approaches, voters will ultimately decide whether Hayat’s message of safety, affordability, and reform resonates across the city.
Disclaimer: As part of U Multicultural’s 2026 Winnipeg Municipal Election Coverage, candidates were invited to share messages with our audience. The views expressed in this article are the candidate’s own, and this article does not constitute an endorsement by U Multicultural.
Yuliia Kovalenko, U Multicultural Journalism