View From the Legislature

They say that for some people optimism comes naturally. Sometimes that is expressed as viewing the glass as half full instead of half empty. For others, there is a tendency to assume whatever the worst is, it is just around the corner. For either of these types of people the past couple of years have challenged both of their tendencies.

For even the most naturally optimistic person, the past year has posed significant concerns and challenges. Economically in Canada, there have been significant concerns about inflation causing food prices to continually increase as well as higher interest rates. Those higher interest rates combined with the high cost of housing have left many Canadians wondering how they will ever be able to afford a home.

The good news is that while the Bank of Canada isn’t signaling that interest rates are coming down anytime soon, there are signs that they have levelled off and not increasing they way they were the past couple of years. That stability is welcomed news. As well, it seems that all governments are aware of the lack of housing and while solutions are not likely to be quick, there are now tangible actions being taken to try to address the problem.

Locally in Steinbach and the southeast there remains reason for both excitement and optimism. Both the economy and economic opportunity remain strong. And there are a number of new services and construction projects happening to help accommodate that growth.

The first new elementary school in many years is well under way in Steinbach having been approved during my time as Minister of Education and construction started this past summer. The new Southeast Event Centre is beginning to take shape and this facility will help change the way generations of local residents gather, play and are entertained. Just a couple of blocks from the Event Centre construction there is significant work underway to add beds to Bethesda Hospital as well as new Operating Rooms for the regional health facility. This is in addition to the dialysis unit that opened in the fall of this year and the new PCH beds that opened last year.

Many of these projects that are now becoming a reality were dreamed about for years by local residents and local officials. To see so many of them happening in a short period of time is the culmination of years of planning and effort. But as a whole, they will have a transformative effect on our region.

New Years is traditionally a time to look back and reflect as well as to look ahead to the future. As with every year, it is possible to look back and see many challenges that have been experienced in 2023 both locally and internationally. But, as we look toward 2024, there is reason for optimism and excitement for our region and our province. I hope that for you and your family, 2024 is one that brings you health and happiness throughout the year.