Trail Talking

It is officially the new year! I hope you all had a festive and cozy holiday season with plenty of delicious food and tasty treats, time spent with loved ones, and some well-deserved relaxation. I cannot wait to see what 2025 has in store for us!

Reflecting on the last year, one of the great things about 2024 was that Manitobans saved up to $1,399 in taxes thanks to several PC affordability measures that were grandfathered into the year. It was also the last year that Manitoba homeowners were able save an average of $774 thanks to our 50% School Tax Rebate.

Unfortunately, poor NDP policies will be taking full effect this year. Rather than helping you to relieve some of your financial stress, the NDP government has been clear that you can expect your property taxes to hike in 2025. The NDP’s elimination of the 50% rebate means that Dawson Trail residents are looking at a 6.4% school tax hike, among other cost increases. As your MLA, I will keep pushing for the province to take meaningful action on affordability.

In the coming months, I hope to see some more positive changes take place, such as improvements to the intersection of PTH 12 and PR 210. This intersection has been a growing safety concern for not only the residents of Dawson Trail, but all travelers who use this road, where there have been a number of vehicle collisions over the years. Our previous PC government already began the work and published a safety review in fall 2023 with several suggestions, resulting in some interim improvements being installed. To ensure the safety of Manitobans and prevent further collisions, we need changes made now.

Another thing I know we all want to see in this year is the development of a new school in Ste. Anne. The lack of a new school has been a growing concern for community members, especially as it was already announced, planned, and accounted for until the NDP changed course. The population of Ste. Anne has rapidly increased in recent years, and the current school does not have the space or infrastructure to facilitate all of the students in the community and provide them with the best possible learning environment.

I have written numerous letters to the appropriate ministers regarding these concerns, and unfortunately, there has not been any action taken. It is disheartening to see how little the NDP government values the constituency of Dawson Trail and its residents. I will continue to advocate for the constituents of Dawson Trail and show the NDP government how important and valuable it is to help better our rural communities.

A new year is an opportunity for renewed optimism, so I’m hopeful that there will be progress on these issues and more. I wish everyone a wonderful 2025!