View From the Legislature

Last week I announced that our government is investing over $54 million in school infrastructure projects across Manitoba to support upgrades and maintenance of our schools.

This week I announced that the Manitoba Scholarship and Bursary Initiative directly supports approximately 13,000 post-secondary students to pursue their dreams of furthering their education.

The recent shooting of a Manitoba RCMP officer was a tragic reminder of the dangers our law enforcement officials can face every day they are on the job.

The federal Liberal government’s decision to legalize marijuana takes effect on October 17th. On Tuesday this week, our government, along with the Liquor, Gaming, and Cannabis Authority (LGCA), discussed the future of cannabis public education in Manitoba.

This is a time of mixed emotions for many young people. While many will be excited for the beginning of a new school year, it also marks the end of summer holidays.

In 1998, the then Filmon Government accomplished a first in Canada as it signed an agreement regarding immigration with the federal government of the day.

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.