Trail Talking

March was another busy yet exciting month, as my fellow MLAs and I gathered for a new session in the Manitoba Legislature. It’s good to participate in session again, as we focus on finding solutions to key issues and figuring out ways to better the lives of all Manitobans.

Another exciting thing from this past month is that I got to hold the first “Coffee with Bob” of 2024. These are some of my favourite events to put on, and this time was no exception as I got to chat with constituents from Paradise Village and Villa Youville in Ste. Anne. I look forward to having “Coffee with Bob” events throughout the year, so stay tuned for more information. I hope to see you all at the next one!

I wanted to take a moment to highlight an event that has been held annually in our province for over 115 years: the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair in Brandon. Not only is the RMWF one of Western Canada’s largest agricultural events, but it’s also one of only two fairs in Canada to receive Royal designation from Queen Elizabeth II. The fair is full of fun for the whole family, from horse shows and live entertainment to circuses and mascots. I would highly encourage you all to take a trip to Westman and attend the fair at least once!

In political news, Manitobans continue to deal with the aftermath of the sudden Imperial Oil pipeline shutdown in mid-March, which is expected to disrupt fuel supply to Winnipeg and surrounding communities for at least 3 months. After only a week of the shutdown, we began to see double-digit price hikes, long lines, and gas stations closing early and limiting purchases.

To make matters worse, Manitobans woke up to a 23% federal carbon tax hike on April 1st – a rather cruel April Fools joke if you ask me. The hike in carbon tax means a hike in gas prices, as well as heating and food prices, and may cost Manitoba families more than they get back in rebates in 2024.

Lastly, as result of the NDP government’s meager increases to school funding, constituents of Dawson Trail are looking at school property tax hikes of up to 6.9% this year. Some constituencies in Manitoba are even looking at hikes as high as 17%.

All of these add on to concerns of affordability that I know many members of the Dawson Trail community have. As your MLA, I will continue to voice your concerns in the Legislature, as well as advocateg for meaningful solutions to make life more affordable for all Manitobans.