View From the Legislature

It is hard not to be overwhelmed by the news these days and the almost singular focus it has on the COVID-19 pandemic.

Traditionally at this time of the year there is a great deal of excitement in the homes of school aged children as the return to school nears. Of course, this year is different in many ways and the return to school is different as well.

Over the last few months one of the things that most of us have discovered is that there can be a danger of getting too much information.

The recent increase in COVID-19 numbers in our province has caused greater concern regarding the coronavirus among Manitobans than likely existed during the days when few if any cases were being reported.

While there is much of summer left, it is the traditional time when some thought would turn to the upcoming school year for those that have school aged children at home.

There was a mid 1980’s song whose chorus screamed out “I need a hero!” Today, as much as ever, that would seem true.

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.