View From the Legislature

As the end of August draws near many of the annual summer fairs and activities are also drawing to a close. Most communities in our region set aside a weekend or two during the summer to celebrate the uniqueness and spirit of their town or city.

Local residents of southeast Manitoba will remember well the forest fires that devastated the corner of our province in 2012. Those fires destroyed homes, property and forest in one of the most significant emergencies to grip this part of Manitoba in years.

Last Wednesday, just prior to the provincial Cabinet shuffle, I was asked what job I was hoping to get following the shuffle. The answer to me was easy, I already have the job I most value, being the MLA for the Steinbach Constituency.

I’d like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a safe August long weekend in beautiful South East Manitoba.

Last week I was pleased to announce that The Bethesda Regional Health Centre in Steinbach will get a multi-million dollar upgrade of its heating, ventilation and air conditioning system.

Earlier this week, I attended the Mennonite Heritage Village to announce that the Manitoba Government is investing in three projects in Steinbach that will benefit the community.

Late last month I had the opportunity to host Health Ministers from across Canada in Winnipeg for our annual meeting.

Blumenort and Mitchell have just finished holding their annual community events and each were a great success. Both offered community and area residents so much to do and were very family focused.

Residents of southeastern Manitoba know the value of trade to our province and to Canada. It is something I’ve heard many times since being elected MLA for Steinbach and never more so than in recent weeks as the debate about the future of the North American Free Trade Agreement grows.

This past weekend Canadians across our country celebrated Canada’s 151st birthday. For me personally, Canada Day is always an opportunity to reflect on what it means to be Canadian and to be thankful for the freedoms that we enjoy in this country.