Honouring Special Olympics Manitoba

My last order of business before the Manitoba Legislative Assembly completed the recent spring session was to deliver a private member’s statement in the House.

I was pleased to honour Special Olympics Manitoba for its impact on the In-School Program at St. James Collegiate. This program allows students with developmental challenges to train and compete in various sports as part of their school’s athletic programming. Under the leadership of resource teacher Leanne Wall, several athletes participated as proud members of the St. James Jimmies. Congratulations everyone!

On June 3, I had the pleasure of continuing the traditional Bruce Park-Truro Park Clean-Up. We were blessed with a beautiful sunny St. James day and were joined by many community volunteers, friends and family members.

Collectively, we worked from the Assiniboine River to Ness Avenue along Truro Creek, pulling tires and three shopping carts from the water along with the usual winter garbage. All of this was loaded onto a trailer which we hauled to the garbage dump, but not before enjoying a well-deserved barbecue in Bruce Park. Special thanks to city councillor Scott Gillingham for all his hard work on this as well.

I had the opportunity to congratulate Manitoba Aerospace Association on achieving its 25th year milestone during Aerospace Week on June 8. This industry provides high-value employment for 5,300 Manitobans.

These are world-class businesses that meet the economic challenges to compete in a global marketplace. I wish to acknowledge the thousands of Manitobans who ensure this industry remains at the forefront of innovation on the world stage.

Congratulations go to Trixie Maybituin for receiving this year’s MLA Leadership Scholarship. Trixie has graduated from St. James Collegiate and has demonstrated exemplary leadership. Well done, Trixie.

As another school year comes to a close, students and parents turn their attention to well-deserved rest and relaxation. Manitobans boast that the best summers in Canada are here in the Prairies.

Winnipeg and southern Manitoba have lots of sunshine and plenty of warmth, with a multitude of activities to enjoy. Whether you go to your cottage, go camping or enjoy a leisurely "staycation," there is no shortage of things to do. 

The festivities for Canada 150 were celebrated in Winnipeg with plenty of birthday cake, live music, flags, a sea of red T-shirts and unforgettable fireworks. Here in St. James, the roar of Canada Day fireworks from Assiniboine Park to Assiniboia Downs was impressive.

Other greatly anticipated summer events include the Winnipeg Folk Festival, Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival, Canada Summer Games and Folklorama. Winnipeggers and Manitobans will come together and continue to make us all proud as we welcome visitors from far and wide.

Have a safe and enjoyable summer.