View From the Legislature

While many Canadians last week were focused on the Olympic games, and in particular the heartbreaking losses in the Gold Medal game for both our men’s and women’s hockey teams, political watchers were also watching news from the United States capital.

Many years ago, when the province started doing what is called pre-budget consultations, it must have seemed like a novel but important concept.

With the return to Ottawa last week of former Prime Minister Stephen Harper and many of those who were in and supported his government, there was a bit of a nostalgic feel in the nation’s capital.

It is the nature of our electoral system that when governments, and by extension their leaders, are voted out of office, it takes some time for their true legacy and impact to be understood.

By now most people have probably become numb to the various ways that people in elected office attack and belittle each other seemingly on a daily basis.

Throughout my time in politics, I have been supportive of political parties working together on issues that should rise above the usual partisan bickering that happens in every legislature.

In some ways, the just completed Grand Slam of Curling (GSOC) event, which occurred at the Southeast Event Centre this past week, took many local residents by surprise.

One of the most significant challenges that Manitoba, and other parts of Canada face, is an addictions crisis.

Let’s be clear. Almost nobody in Manitoba actually expects the NDP government to meet any of the financial targets that it sets for itself every year.

On Sunday morning I had planned to send to a number of my friends in the Jewish community a text message wishing them a happy Hanukkah as it was the first day of the celebration.