Trail Talking

The ongoing legislative session this fall involves a lot of work for my fellow MLAs and myself, as our provincial government discusses, debates and votes on bills for the benefit of Manitobans. However, I also appreciate the opportunities I have in the House to bring attention to the wonderful and inspiring people and organizations of the Dawson Trail constituency.

In October, for example, I had the pleasure of making a statement to the Legislative Assembly to honour two Dawson Trail organizations, Lorette Thrifty Treasures and Tache Food Bank, for the great work they do. Thrifty Treasures uses the proceeds from its sales to invest in the community, and has donated over $30,000 to local charitable organizations and individuals requiring assistance. Tache Food Bank also provides assistance to people facing financial hardship, by providing them with groceries.

In late November, I plan to speak to the Legislative Assembly about remarkable 101-year-old Dawson Trail resident Kai Winther. Kai was born in Denmark in 1917 and immigrated to Canada in 1945 with his parents and siblings. Kai married his wife Janie that same year. Together they purchased her family’s farm, where Kai lives to this day. When Kai came to Canada, he had very little family here. But today, Kai has an ever-growing family representing various ethnicities.

As for government business this fall, we have increased penalties for distracted driving to further discourage dangerous and careless behaviour behind the wheel. Our government’s priority is the safety of Manitobans, and we are determined to reduce the growing threat of distracted driving. The new penalties for using a cellphone or other hand-operated electronic device while driving include an increase in the fine to $672 from $203 and a hike in driver’s licence demerit points for careless driving to five, up from two, for each infraction.

As well, drivers caught using a hand-operated electronic device will be subject to a three-day licence suspension for a first offence, and a seven-day suspension for a subsequent offence within 10 years. Suspended drivers will be required to surrender their licences at roadside.

With an awareness campaign being launched by Manitoba Public Insurance, in addition to enforcement of the stiffer penalties, we aim to eliminate road fatalities in our province while changing public perception to make distracted driving as socially unacceptable as impaired driving.

Finally, I encourage everyone in Dawson Trail and across our province to attend any of the Remembrance Day ceremonies taking place on Nov. 11. I plan to attend one of the many ceremonies held to honour the brave Canadian soldiers who sacrificed their lives for our country and our freedom.