Local MLAs look forward to big things in 2025

West Winnipeg

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This article was published 01/01/2025 (592 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

To kick off 2025, we asked Members of the Legislative Assembly representing constituencies across West Winnipeg to weigh in on projects and initiatives they’re looking forward to in the new year.

Here’s what those who responded had to say.

“Looking forward, my new year’s resolution is to continue working hard for Fort Richmond,” said Jennifer Chen (NDP, Fort Richmond). “Being an MLA this past year, I want to say that it is a privilege for me to be able to meet with so many people. To me, it’s important to hear their unique stories, traditions, and dreams — that is the most important thing about being a representative. I’m very grateful for that.”

“I’m super-excited to continue to do work to support our seniors. There are such giant needs for our older adult population,” said Rachelle Schott (NDP, Kildonan-River East), who helps organize a monthly grocery bus for residents in seniors’ housing along Henderson Highway.

“(Also) North Winnipeg is obviously experiencing significant growth, and we’ve been hearing about the growing need for services from residents. For years, expansion of Chief Peguis Trail is something people have brought up (as a need). I’m looking forward to seeing these kind of developments in 2025.”

“Everything around the (Edgeland complex) playground is really exciting for me,” said Carla Compton (NDP, Tuxedo).

“Another thing I’m really excited for is actually my first I Love To Read Month (held annually every February),” she said. “I myself am a huge reader. I was one of those kids that was always had my nose in a book … And so I’m just so excited to be able to share my love of reading with kids,” she said. “I’m also looking forward to the official opening of my constituency office.”

There’s no official date for the latter, she said, so that nothing gets jinxed, but it’s loosely scheduled for the early months of the year.

“Every new year, there’s always hope of what can be, what we can make, what we can create, how things can get better. For me, a new year is always a time for hope and excitement around that,” Compton said.

“I’m, first and foremost, excited to continue the work that we’ve been doing thus far,” said JD Devgan (NDP, McPhillips). “And building on that … We did a (community) barbecue last summer at the Seven Oaks community centre, and I can’t wait for our next one.”

It changes locations every year, he said, which makes for a good exploration of the constituency.

“I really miss (being active), so I want to be a lot better,” he said. “One thing that actually helps with that is our door-knocking in the summer. I’m excited for that for two reasons. One: getting back out, getting at the doors and just chatting with my constituents at their doorsteps. Two: the cardio workout that I get out of that. So, what’s not to love?”

”My main focus, top priority, is to encourage and motivate (youth) to be future leaders. Be in politics, religion, be in sports, be in environment stewardship, be the leaders and make this work a better one to live,” said Diljeet Brar (NDP, Burrows), adding that he has spent time with youth groups at Sisler School and Maples Collegiate over the course of 2024 and has met some strong, young individuals.

“I want to connect with them. I have been connecting with them for so many years now, and I keep appreciating them, and I want them to be the great future leaders. When I say leaders, I mean leaders, not just politicians. I always emphasize this,” Brar added.

“I do not plan my things year by year … every new day is a new year for me, and I’ll continue working along with my team.” he said.

“I’m super-excited that we’re in the design phase of the new ER at the Victoria Hospital,” said Billie Cross (NDP, Seine River), who also mentioned the new women’s health centre and the Anne Oake Recovery Centre. “I had the privilege of being at the groundbreaking ceremony, and I’m just thrilled that we’re getting something like that in the community where people can get health care close to home.”

“I’m really fortunate to work with have amazing residents that do advocacy in St. Norbert,” she added. “The LeMay Forest is something that folks have been working really hard to try and save and maintain, and I look forward to seeing what kind of advocacy they’re going to do in the new year, in terms of trying to maybe not develop that area, but keep it as something for the community.”

Cross is also looking forward to welcoming her third grandchild in March, and hopes to be able to spend time to helping her daughter care for the new baby, when the time comes.