For anyone who has lived through even a single Manitoba winter, it is understood that our summers are too short. And while September and even October sometimes offers us some brief reminders of the warm weather we enjoyed in the summer months, it’s already clear that a change of seasons is upon us. And with that change comes a change of routine for many families.
September means back to school for those in elementary, middle school and high school as well as those taking post-secondary studies. For many younger students this is a time of excitement while for others it can evoke anxiety if they are going into an unfamiliar school. We are fortunate that our schools have excellent teachers and support staff to help not only educate students but help as they settle into a new school year. For students who are lucky enough to be the first students at the new Parkhill School, this is an especially exciting time as they occupy the first new elementary school opened in Steinbach in many years.
I was honoured during my time as Education Minister to approve the new school and to participate in the groundbreaking ceremony. Like many others, I have eagerly watched the progress of the school’s construction, and it will be a welcomed addition to the Hanover School Division. Regardless of where students are attending this year, I hope that all students, teachers and support staff have a rewarding academic year.
This time of year also means that many young people re-enter sports programs. Over the years, the opportunity for recreational sport has grown in our region and new facilities have opened, There has also been the growth of popularity locally of sports such as soccer and basketball. The new South East Event Centre will not only be an opportunity to watch local teams like the Steinbach Pistons and special sporting events, but also offer the chance to use the new gymnasium facility and indoor walking track. The first winter with the Event Centre open is being anticipated by many and will help bring some excitement to those cold winter months.
The fall also means the return of regular sittings at the Manitoba Legislature. While there have been numerous committees and events at the Legislature over the summer, the daily business of the House returns in the fall. While this is welcomed by elected representatives, each of us have enjoyed reconnecting with constituents over the summer at the many events that are held locally. I want to especially thank the hundreds of volunteers who made the local fairs and festivals possible this summer. Countless volunteer hours go into these events and they play an important role in bringing community members together and creating memories.
The fall session of the Legislature will have a number of different important issues but high among them will be questions about what the Manitoba government is doing to help strengthen our provincial economy with the threat of a Canadian recession looming. The trade war that has been hitting Canadian workers hard needs a response at both the provincial and federal level and to date, the Manitoba NDP have done little to help Manitobans deal with this economic storm.
As local residents look toward the fall and the changes in routine that this brings, there are many things to anticipate and look forward to.
