View From the Legislature

The beginning of a new year is an opportunity to look ahead and to make resolutions for the upcoming 12 months. But it is also the time when we often look back at the year just concluded to see what has been accomplished. With that in mind, here are some of the highlights for me of 2019.

As I reflect on 2019, I am proud to note the many important developments that have happened for our province generally and for the southeast region specifically. All Manitobans benefited in 2019 with the reduction of the provincial sales tax from 8% to 7% beginning on July 1st. This is a commitment that our government made to Manitobans during the 2016 provincial election. It restored the tax to the level it was prior to the former NDP government breaking its promise and raising it in 2013. The reduced PST is not only a financial benefit for Manitobans, but an important fulfillment of a commitment.

This year also saw the beginning of a number of important local projects. Key among them was the start of construction of the expanded Rest Haven Personal Care Home (PCH). When completed, this project will more than double the size of the existing facility, providing 143 new PCH beds. For many years there has been a shortage of PCH beds in the City of Steinbach with long-time residents often being forced to leave when they needed this level of care. When completed, the new Rest Haven will help to alleviate this challenge and the stress that it places on families at a difficult time.

As well, the expansion of the Mitchell Elementary School officially moved ahead at the end of 2019. The multi-million-dollar expansion will provide additional classrooms, a new library and multi-purpose room to help meet the needs of this growing community.

In addition, programs to help students were announced that will directly benefit young people in the southeast. A new pilot project was unveiled that included the Hanover School Division that will support addictions and mental health workers for students. Also, funding was awarded to Project 11, which is run by the True North Youth Foundation and which provides programming for students, including in our region, on coping with mental health challenges. These investments are an important part of ensuring that students are well positioned to learn and succeed within our schools.

This year I was also grateful to be re-elected by the residents of the Steinbach Constituency in the fall provincial election. It is always an honour to have so many people express their trust in me and our Party through support at the ballot box. My wife Kim and I are thankful for the many ways in which local residents show their support for us and we are truly honoured to be able to serve such an amazing area.

I would like to wish each of you all the best as you celebrate the beginning of 2020 and may it be a year filled with joy and promise.