View From the Legislature

It is sometimes said that professional sports are a metaphor for life. In many ways during the pandemic, it has been as much a mirror as a metaphor.

Despite the many challenges that are happening in the world these days there was optimistic economic news in Manitoba this past week as Statistics Canada data showed that our province had one of the strongest employment recoveries in the country during the month of June.

During the global pandemic Manitoba has had among the least restrictions for the least amount of time of any jurisdiction in North America.

Those who are in elected office know that while they are usually the ones who are in front of the public responding to issues, behind the scenes they are supported by staff members who are critical to ensuring that questions and challenges that residents have with government are addressed.

Over the past few months, many things have changed. And now with summer, undoubtedly the travel and vacation plans that many Manitoba families had made are being disrupted as well.

This Canada Day will feel a little different than the ones most of us have come to expect and enjoy. Instead of the traditional fireworks that usually end the national celebration across the country, most communities have opted for some form of virtual celebration given the current global COVID-19 pandemic.

Summer is not even in full stride yet but when it comes to preparing for the next school year, the planning is well underway. This planning is more important than ever as the province transitions away from at home learning to a return to in-class instruction.

It is typical in every graduation year to wish the graduates well and to give them some advice for the challenges and obstacles that they are sure to face ahead in life.

As Manitobans were enjoying wonderful summer weather this past week there was another reason to be encouraged as our province entered Phase 2 of the reopening plan related to the coronavirus pandemic.

To most Canadians, the Canadian Forces Snowbirds are instantly recognizable. Perhaps not the individual pilots and officers, but the precision flying patterns and planes are very much part of our Canadian identity.