Heather Stefanson

Historic help for Manitobans

Our Progressive Conservative team was proud to present Budget 2023 on March 7, providing historic help for Manitobans when they need it most.

Embracing an opportunity for renewal

2023 is an exciting year for our province, and my Progressive Conservative caucus colleagues and I have never been more excited about Manitoba’s future than we are today. Our team is working diligently to renew Manitoba and continue making Manitoba a vibrant place to live, work and raise a family.

Continuing Manitoba’s support for Ukraine

Like all Canadians, our government remains united in outrage and common purpose against the appalling war against Ukraine and the senseless tragedy — and unimaginable loss — it continues to cause. Nowhere in Canada is this more pronounced than here in Manitoba.

Working to help Manitoba grow

Our government has remained committed to making life more affordable for Manitobans, and making our province more competitive. Our team has recently made some really exciting announcements to help Manitoba grow, while also helping Manitobans make ends meet.

This is Special Olympics Awareness Week

In 2013, I had the privilege of introducing and passing Bill 209, the Special Olympics Awareness Week Act, to proclaim the second week of June each year as Special Olympics Awareness Week in Manitoba.

The Act, which passed with unanimous support in the Manitoba Legislative Assembly, remains one of my proudest achievements. It has helped attract volunteers and donations to support Special Olympic Manitoba for nearly a decade, fostering inclusion for Manitobans with intellectual disabilities. I continue to serve as a honorary member of the Special Olympics Manitoba board of directors because I believe in everything they do, and I am pleased to see them resume in-person competition this year.

For 35 years, Special Olympics Manitoba has provided sports programs that enrich the lives of thousands of Manitobans with intellectual disabilities. Over 1,800 Manitobans regularly participate in Special Olympics activities along with over 530 coaches and almost 1,000 volunteers. They have truly become a flagship organization supporting inclusion for Manitobans with intellectual disabilities right across our province.

The dedicated police officers involved in the Law Enforcement Torch Run also continue to carry the Flame of Hope into the opening ceremony of competitions here in Manitoba and around the world. These ‘Guardians of the Flame’ are truly a beacon of hope and love for so many. Since the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police partnered with Special Olympics Canada 35 years ago, it has raised over $72 million to support athletes with intellectual disabilities across the country.

The view from the Legislature

The weather is changing, the snow is melting and our government is hard at work in the Manitoba Legislature for the spring session. Our team is working hard to make life more affordable, strengthen health care and bolster the economy.

Our government has stood in solidarity with Ukraine as the world watched with horror when Vladimir Putin illegally invaded Ukraine, and our government has since taken action. We have waived the fee for Ukrainians coming to Canada through the provincial nominee program, pledged $800,000 to the Ukrainian-Canadian congress and removed all Russian liquor products from Manitoba Liquor Marts. As your MLA, I can assure you that our government will continue supporting Ukrainians during this time. The Manitoba government also has a website full of resources for Ukrainians coming to Manitoba. Please visit manitoba4ukraine.ca

Recently, I was excited to welcome a neighbouring MLA to the Legislature when Obby Khan became the first Muslim MLA in Manitoba’s history after winning the Fort Whyte byelection. I am excited to work with MLA Khan alongside our entire Progressive Conservative caucus, and I know he will be a strong voice for southwest Winnipeg as we work together to build a brighter future for all Manitobans.

As Manitoba emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, our government has been hard at work preparing budget 2022. This budget is about Manitoba’s recovery — more affordability, stronger health care and building our economy. Manitobans deserve a budget that revitalizes and strengthens our province, and I‘m excited to share its contents with constituents.

Special Olympics Awareness Week on the way

I am pleased to be able to take this opportunity to remind everyone that June 13 to 19 is Special Olympics Manitoba Awareness Week 2021.

I was honoured to have worked with the other members of the honourary board of Special Olympics Manitoba in 2013 to create Bill 209, which proclaimed the second week of June each year as Special Olympics Manitoba Awareness Week. This initiative has been instrumental in promoting the awareness of people with intellectual disabilities who participate in sports not just here in Manitoba but around the globe.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on the athletes of Special Olympics Manitoba (SOM), just as it has all of us in one way or another. SOM realized at the onset of the pandemic that, in order to continue supporting the health and safety of their athletes, a shift to quality online/virtual opportunities was paramount to develop until such a time as athletes could safely return to in-person programming.

Over the past year, SOM has invested in several initiatives for its athletes. A virtual website (www.somflex.ca) was developed which houses all program offerings including fitness, health and wellness activities and opportunities for social interaction. With this shift to virtual programming, SOM realized that not all of their athletes had access to the internet. In response, 50 tablets were purchased and loaned to athletes and their families so that they could be connected to the new virtual programming.

Congrats to all Honour 150 honourees

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate three of my constituents who were named as part of the Honour 150, presented by Canada Life as part of the Manitoba 150 celebrations.

Earlier this year, 150 people from across Manitoba received this well-deserved recognition. Honour 150 recipients were nominated by people in their own communities based upon their dedication to philanthropic projects within our province.

Dr. Ernest Cholakis is the founder of Cholakis Dental Group. He has contributed to numerous public health initiatives in Winnipeg over his 40-year career.

Through endeavours such as The Tooth Fairy Carnival and The Open Wide campaign, Dr. Cholakis has proven himself as a champion of educating parents and children of all economic sectors of the importance of oral hygiene practices and healthier nutritional habits.

Remembering the original Aunt Sally

I hope this publication finds you and yours staying safe and enjoying the early spring weather. It’s inspiring us to get out and shake off the winter blues.

Speaking of getting outdoors, I am so excited about the re-opening of Aunt Sally’s Farm at Assiniboine Park Zoo. Some of you will fondly remember this attraction, while others will have the opportunity to experience it for the first time.

The original Aunt Sally’s Farm opened in August 1959. It was built on the site of the zoo’s original aviaries and featured a large picnic hut, a wishing well, a miller’s wheel and a central lawn area. The animal enclosures were home to a variety of small animals including geese, goats, donkeys, pigs and sheep that children could visit up close and interact with. The farm hosted thousands of visitors of all ages over its years of operation before it was closed in the summer of 1986 to make way for the construction of a new children’s attraction, the Kinsman Discovery Centre.

I would be remiss to not mention the great lady for whom Aunt Sally’s Farm was named after and inspired by. Sally Warnock came to Winnipeg in 1911 from Ireland to visit her brother and ended up staying. Her life and diverse career in Winnipeg is well documented and recognized. Over her lifetime of tireless dedication to domestic and wild animals she established herself as the city’s best-known animal rights campaigner. Her many accomplishments include being one of the founding members of the Winnipeg branch of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, now the Winnipeg Humane Society.

Let’s all look after one another

COVID-19 is here but you’re not alone. We’re in this together.In the midst of this pandemic, small acts of kindness between one another can help. Sometimes it’s the little things that help us get through the day. Recently, my kids and I delivered Subway sandwiches to thank all of the early learning and childcare staff in the department of families, who are working weekends to connect health-care workers with the childcare they need since schools have closed.We want to make sure we’re spreading the facts, not the virus. During times like these it’s important to ensure you’re getting information from official sources. Be careful not to share social media posts or emails that aren’t from authentic medical experts. The single and most up-to-date source of information on everything related to COVID-19 in Manitoba and beyond can be found here: manitoba.ca/covid19Throughout this time, Health Links-Info Santé has tripled the capacity of its phone lines to handle incoming calls. If you’re at all questioning if you should call — do it. They will assess you and determine if you should get tested for the virus at one of the many testing sites in Manitoba. Contact Health Links-Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or 1-888-315-9257 (toll-free) if you’re experiencing symptoms.To help prevent further spread of the virus, our government has identified the 3Ps — protect yourself, protect your loved ones and protect our communities. That’s how we can all help defeat COVID-19. Practising social distancing is the most effective way you and I can act on the 3Ps.Social distancing means many things: staying two metres away from other people, declining to shake hands, staying home as much as you can, and avoiding non-essential travel. For more on the 3Ps visit: covid19manitoba.caAlthough times may feel uncertain, I want to reassure residents of the Tuxedo riding — and all Manitobans — that our team of MLAs is dedicated to protecting your health and safety. It’s the top priority.We’ve introduced the COVID-19 Emergency Supplement to Budget 2020.We’re increasing our Rainy Day Fund emergency response reserves to $872 million. Plus, with our diversified economic base, Manitoba continues to have one of the most stable and resilient economies in Canada. This leaves us better positioned to respond to this, and future emergencies effectively. As always, my office is available to answer your questions or concerns. We’re more than happy to help. You can reach out at 204-487-0013 or tuxconst@mymts.net

COVID-19 is here but you’re not alone. We’re in this together.In the midst of this pandemic, small acts of kindness between one another can help. Sometimes it’s the little things that help us get through the day.

Recently, my kids and I delivered Subway sandwiches to thank all of the early learning and childcare staff in the department of families, who are working weekends to connect health-care workers with the childcare they need since schools have closed.

We want to make sure we’re spreading the facts, not the virus. During times like these it’s important to ensure you’re getting information from official sources. Be careful not to share social media posts or emails that aren’t from authentic medical experts.

Making memories at All Seniors Care Games

Welcome to 2020! I hope all residents of the Tuxedo constituency—and Manitoba—had a restful holiday season with their family and friends.Since the holidays, January disappeared — and February is proving to be another busy month. The new year is off to a great start for Winnipeg’s Jewish community; congratulations to Mr. John Diamond for your new appointment as chief executive officer of the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba (JFM).John’s family has a long history with the JFM. His uncle was one of the original signatories to the JFM Charter in 1964. John understands the importance JFM’s engagement in our community — especially engagement with the new generation of Jewish youth. John also recognizes the need for creativity, modernization and adaptation. I look forward to continuing my dialogue with the JFM and John in the upcoming months.One of my favourite things about this time of year is the All Seniors Care (ASC) Games at the Shaftesbury Retirement Residence. Earlier this month, I once again brought greetings at the games. I’ve been honoured to have been included in this fun event since its inception 11 years ago.Participants, family members, and guests all walk away from each annual ASC Games with valued memories. This year, the games were held at 30 ASC Retirement Residences across Canada from Feb. 3 to 7. The games provide thousands of older adults the opportunity to participate in friendly competition to help them stay healthy, active — and go for gold. I look forward to experiencing it again next year.Of course, it wouldn’t be February without reading — and loving it.Every year at this time, I look forward to visiting the seven elementary schools in the Tuxedo constituency. I always meet with students and their teachers to share a book with them. This year I chose G is for Golden Boy-A Manitoba Alphabet. The book takes students on an A-Z journey in Manitoba, highlighting all the things that make our great province so great.I chose this book in part to get students ramped up for the celebration of the year — Manitoba 150! This is a historic year for our province. I was honoured to put forth five nominations for the Manitoba 150 Award; 150 people across the province who have demonstrated outstanding volunteerism will receive this honour. The committee for Manitoba 150 has received these nominations and will be announcing the recipients in April. For more information on all of the events and activities for Manitoba 150, please visit https://manitoba150.com/en/home/

Welcome to 2020! I hope all residents of the Tuxedo constituency—and Manitoba—had a restful holiday season with their family and friends.

Since the holidays, January disappeared — and February is proving to be another busy month. The new year is off to a great start for Winnipeg’s Jewish community; congratulations to Mr. John Diamond for your new appointment as chief executive officer of the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba (JFM).

John’s family has a long history with the JFM. His uncle was one of the original signatories to the JFM Charter in 1964. John understands the importance JFM’s engagement in our community — especially engagement with the new generation of Jewish youth. John also recognizes the need for creativity, modernization and adaptation. I look forward to continuing my dialogue with the JFM and John in the upcoming months.

Celebrating the Special Olympics

Those who know me well know that I have been involved with Special Olympics Manitoba for several years.

My kids Tommy and Victoria have volunteered for the organization and I remain a member of their honorary board. I am also happy every year to help advance the Special Olympics cause as a Member of the Legislative Assembly.

After 19 years as the MLA for Tuxedo, I can proudly say that one of my greatest achievements was the introduction and unanimous passage of Bill 209, The Special Olympics Awareness Week Act.

This legislation made a simple but important change in our province by legislating that every year the second week of June would be known as Special Olympics Awareness Week in Manitoba.

Big win for the Rangers

I hope this finds everyone enjoying the start of spring after our long cold winter.

The end of winter hails the end of hockey season and I am so proud to be able to report on the recent victory of the Assiniboine Park AA bantam Rangers hockey team which claimed the 2019 city championship in its division!

The Assiniboine Park Hockey Association has been operating for over 45 years. It provides an elite hockey program in an environment which includes quality coaching, pride in self-improvement through hard work and discipline, and most importantly, fun.

Most of these 14- and 15-year-olds have played on and off with each other since they were wee Timbits! They aren’t just a team...they are good friends. When they’re not at practice or have a game, they’re still hanging out together.

Friendly competition at ASC games

I hope this finds everyone staying warm and getting through the recent stretch of snow and cold weather.

Let’s think positive... not much longer to go!

Speaking of positivity, I had the great pleasure of attending the 10th annual All Seniors Care (ASC) Games at the Shaftesbury Retirement Residence at the beginning of the month. I have been honoured to have been included in this event since its’ inception.

The annual ASC Games creates wonderful memories for participants, family members and guests each year.

Combatting bullying

Last month on Oct. 25 I was very honoured to be at Queenston School for the launch of the Winnipeg Police Association’s 7th annual “Cool 2Be Kind” anti-bullying campaign.

As honorary co-chair of the initiative, I was pleased to join my fellow co-chair, former colleague and friend Kevin Chief.

The Cool 2Be Kind campaign is a positive behaviour, anti-bullying initiative of the Winnipeg Police Association that focuses on teaching students in kindergarten through Grade 8 the value of being kind to others and making good choices in school and in life.

Since 2013 this initiative has funded 145 kindness projects totalling $72,500 with off- duty police officers having spoken to over 50,000 students and educators. The campaign allows students and staff to create and submit a unique kindness proposal for their school for the opportunity to receive funding to see their program of choice come to life.

Backpacks to help Carpathia students

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving enjoying time with family and friends. It is a reminder to us all to be thankful for our health, happiness and prosperity. It also reminds us to be charitable to those who are less fortunate.

I was very pleased to present a private member’s statement in the House on the first day of session at the legislature recognizing the philanthropic initiatives put forth by the TELUS Foundation.

For the past three years TELUS has worked in partnership with Parliamentarians and legislatures across the country to host “Kits for Kids” as a part of the TELUS Days of Giving. Each spring during the Days of Giving TELUS mobilizes more than 20,000 team members, retirees, friends and family members to volunteer at community centres, retirement homes, parks, schools and hospitals across the country.

On May 30 I was happy to join my fellow MLAs in the Kits for Kids event at our Legislature. The task was simple; pack a backpack with school supplies (all donated by TELUS) and in turn receive ten backpacks to be distributed to a school of the MLA’s choice within their constituency. Since its’ inception the Kits for Kids project has provided over 2,500 students with backpacks to start their school year.

50 years of providing great care

I hope this message finds all of you having enjoyed a wonderful summer within our community and around our beautiful province.

I had the great pleasure and opportunity to take part in numerous summer celebrations with both my family and my colleagues. So much to do, so much to see and too little time to do so.

One of the celebrations I would like to especially note was the 50th anniversary of Extendicare Tuxedo Villa on Aug. 21. Extendicare residences are located throughout Canada and are proudly commemorating their golden anniversary of “helping people live better.” We are very fortunate to have one of their facilities in the heart of our constituency.

Tuxedo Villa’s pledge to residents, their family and the community is making their facility feel like home. The dedicated staff create an atmosphere of home by lending their expertise and support to facilitate a lifestyle of engagement, activity and enjoyment. The core values of Extendicare and Tuxedo Villa are courtesy, attitude, responsibility and excellence which shines through when you visit the residence.

Thanks for everything, Father Altilia

This year, St. Paul’s High School bids a fond farewell to a remarkable person who has helped educate hundreds of young men in Tuxedo and across our province.

Fr. Leonard Altilia leaves St. Paul’s High School after five outstanding years as president to take on new responsibilities in Montreal as the director of the office of translation with the bilingual province of the Jesuits in Canada.

Originally from Toronto, Fr. Altilia came to our province with a long history of spiritual wisdom and academic excellence.

He entered the Society of Jesus in 1964, was ordained to the priesthood in 1974, and pronounced his final vows as a Jesuit in 1979. He is also gifted academically, having earned a BA in romance languages and linguistics, a master of divinity, and both a bachelor and a master of education.

Happy to help

Those who know me well know that I have been involved with Special Olympics Manitoba for several years. My kids Tommy and Victoria have volunteered for the organization and I remain a member of their honorary board.

I am also happy every year to help advance the Special Olympics cause as a Member of the Legislative Assembly.

After 18 years as the MLA for Tuxedo, I can proudly say that one of my greatest achievements was the introduction and unanimous passage of Bill 209, The Special Olympics Awareness Week Act.

This legislation made a simple but important change in our province by legislating that every year the second week of June would be known as Special Olympics Awareness Week in Manitoba.