Jeff Wharton

Trails advocate earns deserved award

I hope everyone had a wonderful summer season. With fall approaching and children returning to school, please remember to keep a look out for children walking back and forth to school, and also to make sure to watch out for school buses on our roads.

Moving ahead with summer activities

As we embrace our wonderful Manitoba summer weather, getting together and attending fairs and rodeos once again, as well as visiting our many parks, lakes and beaches, I hope that everyone is keeping well and enjoying their summer adventures.

Learn more about disaster financial assistance

As we officially move into the summer season, I hope that everyone is keeping well and staying dry.

With the unprecedented storms that most of Manitoba experienced last month, there has been a lot of damage from flooding to municipal and provincial infrastructure as well as private residences. When a natural disaster occurs, the Manitoba government may declare those who suffer loss or damages due to the event eligible for disaster financial assistance. Manitoba aligns its disaster financial assistance program with Canada’s disaster financial assistance arrangements in order to share disaster costs with the federal government.

Canada’s arrangements establish the criteria for who is eligible to apply for disaster financial assistance and Manitoba follows this criteria. Canada and Manitoba’s programs are set up to meet the basic and essential needs of Manitobans whose primary residences have been affected by a disaster. Overland flood insurance is available in Manitoba, and Manitobans should check with their insurance providers to see if they offer this product. This insurance provides much more comprehensive coverage than what is offered through disaster financial assistance.

Information on the DFA program can be obtained by visiting the Province of Manitoba website: www.gov.mb.ca/emo/dfa

Public health requirements to be lifted

As we officially move into the spring season, I hope that everyone is staying safe and keeping well. As the province begins lifting mandates and updating public health orders, we hope to be able to return to more normal way of life. As all of the Public Health COVID-19-related indicators are going in the right direction the following changes to the public health orders and timelines for these changes are as follows: • As of Feb. 15, there are no restrictions on indoor public gatherings when all who are present are fully immunized people or are under 12 years of age; • Gatherings that include one or more unvaccinated people (if they are under 12 years of age or older) are now limited to 50 people, up from 25; • Effective March 1, vaccine cards will no longer be required in Manitoba; and • Effective March 15, all mask requirements and other COVID-related restrictions will be lifted. ☐ ☐ ☐The governments of Canada and Manitoba were pleased to recently announce the extension of the Canada-Manitoba Early Learning and Child Care Agreement. which invests close to $98 million over four years to continue building and strengthening regulated child care services for children six years old and under. This includes a one-time investment in the early childhood workforce of more than $19 million to begin offering targeted support for the recruitment and retention of qualified staff for the early learning sector. As part of the close to $98 million investment, $15.5 million in funding prioritizes ongoing commitments made under previous agreements, including supporting affordable child care by providing operating-grant funding for over 1,800 spaces as well as building sector capacity in rural and northern communities. This initiative will also further support families with reduced out of pocket parent fees. ☐ ☐ ☐On Feb. 9, I was pleased to attend the R.M. of St Clements announcement of its sewer connection expansion for the Henderson catchment area. As populations grow in rural Manitoba towns, cities and municipalities, infrastructure must grow with them. The R.M. of St Clements has recognized the need for new sewage infrastructure to protect the health of the environment and its residents both today and into the future. Allowing property owners the opportunity to connect to the Henderson catchment area sewer system will assist in the transition away from septic fields to a more environmentally friendly way of managing household wastes. This project will not only help advance our clean sewer projects to help keep our rivers and lakes safe but will also improve home resale value and help residents save the cost of regular septic pump-outs. I congratulate the R.M. of St Clements in its continued commitment to provide residents with ongoing improvements. I welcome constituents of Red River North to access our constituency office either by email at rrnorthca@mymts.net or by telephone at 204-641-2107. 

As we officially move into the spring season, I hope that everyone is staying safe and keeping well. As the province begins lifting mandates and updating public health orders, we hope to be able to return to more normal way of life. 

As all of the Public Health COVID-19-related indicators are going in the right direction the following changes to the public health orders and timelines for these changes are as follows: 

Pediatric vaccines bring us one step closer

As we officially move into the festive Christmas season I hope that everyone is staying safe and keeping well. As the province begins mobilizing vaccines to protect children ages five to 11 from COVID-19, we are one more step towards keeping all Manitobans safe.The first doses of the pediatric version of the Pfizer vaccine were made available in Manitoba during the week of Nov. 22.  The vaccine is offered through provincial and regional vaccine clinics, physicians’ offices, pharmacies, urban Indigenous clinics and pop-up community clinics. Walk-ins are also an option at some locations and in-school vaccinations will be offered in the coming weeks, both during and after school hours.  Parents and caregivers will be able to make appointments once the vaccine is approved and arrives in Manitoba. ☐ ☐ ☐ The Manitoba government has created a consultation team that will guide the development of a new education funding model to ensure funds are invested in a fair and sustainable way.  The Commission on K to 12 Education heard calls from stakeholders and the public for greater system equity, highlighting the differences in programming and supports across the province, particularly in rural, remote and northern communities.The consultation team will be made up of government officials and representatives from a number of organizations. The goals of the review include creating a formula that allocates provincial funding to Manitoba’s 37 school divisions along with developing a stable, predictable and phased implementation plan to transition from the existing funding formula to the new formula in a way that can accommodate the progress of eliminating education property taxes; and ensuring the unique needs of the Division scolaire franco-manitobaine are accommodated in the design of the formula.  Consultations with education and jurisdictional stakeholders are scheduled to begin in January 2022 and the project is to be completed by February 2023.  The new funding model is expected to be in place for the 2023-24 school year.☐ ☐ ☐I was pleased to attend the send off of Team Walter from the East St Paul Curling Club on Nov. 20. We also recognized Team Walter with a private member’s statement in the Legislature during our house session on Nov. 26.  Led by coach Frank Walter, this group of young women, through dedication and hard work, persevered to win the world junior qualifier at the Heather Curling Club and represented Manitoba at a world junior national qualifier in Saskatoon. Along with coach Walter, the team is made up of lead MacKenzie Elias, second Katie McKenzie, third Lane Prokopowich and skip Megan Walter. I offer my congratulations to this young women on a job well done!I welcome constituents of Red River North to access our constituency office either by email at rrnorthca@mymts.net or by telephone at 204-641-2107  

As we officially move into the festive Christmas season I hope that everyone is staying safe and keeping well. 

As the province begins mobilizing vaccines to protect children ages five to 11 from COVID-19, we are one more step towards keeping all Manitobans safe.

The first doses of the pediatric version of the Pfizer vaccine were made available in Manitoba during the week of Nov. 22.  The vaccine is offered through provincial and regional vaccine clinics, physicians’ offices, pharmacies, urban Indigenous clinics and pop-up community clinics. Walk-ins are also an option at some locations and in-school vaccinations will be offered in the coming weeks, both during and after school hours.  Parents and caregivers will be able to make appointments once the vaccine is approved and arrives in Manitoba. 

Updates on recent session, our constituency

The Manitoba Legislature resumed on Oct. 6 to complete the final stages of implementing Budget 2021, which helps make life more affordable for Manitobans while providing support in the fight against COVID-19.  The condensed, two-week sitting focused on completing the Budget 2021 financial process, including the introduction and passage of the Budget Implementation and Tax Statutes Amendment Act (BITSA). Our government remains focused on supporting Manitobans through this pandemic and laying the foundation for a strong and sustained economic recoveryThis October, as part of Disability Employment Awareness Month, I took part in an initiative called Take Your MLA to Work Day.  The objective of this campaign is to raise awareness about the benefits of hiring Manitobans with disabilities.  On Fri., Oct. 29 I participated in a tour of Sobeys at 3156 Birds Hill Rd., the workplace of one of our Red River North constituents.  This tour provided me with an opportunity to see where our constituent works, meet his employer and co-workers and hear about his experiences working in a local business with his co-workers.  Touring the workplace reminded me about the importance of community-based, competitive employment and some of the challenges faced by workers with disabilitieI am also pleased to announce that one of our constituents from Red River North has received funding through the Innovation Growth Project Program.Push Bar Solutions Limited, who sells bicycle carriers to the law-enforcement industry, was awarded $37,500 for testing and certification of a new collapsible bicycle carrier that attaches to the push bar of a police vehicle. Congratulations to Push Bar Solutions for receiving this grant and I wish you all the success in the future.  I welcome constituents of Red River North to access our constituency office either by email at rrnorthca@mymts.net or by calling 204-641-2107.   

The Manitoba Legislature resumed on Oct. 6 to complete the final stages of implementing Budget 2021, which helps make life more affordable for Manitobans while providing support in the fight against COVID-19.  

The condensed, two-week sitting focused on completing the Budget 2021 financial process, including the introduction and passage of the Budget Implementation and Tax Statutes Amendment Act (BITSA). Our government remains focused on supporting Manitobans through this pandemic and laying the foundation for a strong and sustained economic recovery.

This October, as part of Disability Employment Awareness Month, I took part in an initiative called Take Your MLA to Work Day.  The objective of this campaign is to raise awareness about the benefits of hiring Manitobans with disabilities.  

Government seeks input on campsite booking

As we officially move into the fall season I hope that everyone was able to take some time this summer to enjoy the amazing weather and the natural beauty here in Red River North. Over the past week or so I have had the opportunity for myself and my family to enjoy the beautiful areas of Grand Beach, Grand Marais and Victoria Beach and take part in local activities such as the Victoria Beach fall supper, which was also attended by members of our constituency. We are so fortunate here in Red River North to have these natural resources at our doorsteps.  I was also honoored to attend a ground-breaking event this past week in East Selkirk to announce upgrades and expansion of the facilities and services at the East Selkirk water treatment plant. This upgrade was part of the Manitoba Water Services board capital projects, whereby the Progressive Conservative government invested more than $50 million in 42 new water and waste infrastructure projects across the province.Our government is proud to make these important investments in local infrastructure projects which will ensure Manitobans have access to modern, reliable water and wastewater services. This approved funding will assist with upgrades such as the addition of a membrane water softener system and a truck fill station at the East Selkirk water treatment plant. ☐ ☐ ☐The Manitoba government is looking for input from campers and provincial park users on ways to improve the campsite reservation service to make campground reservations.  Red River North is the home to two major provincial campgrounds, the Birds Hill Provincial Park campground and the Grand Beach Provincial Park campground. This past spring Manitoba saw a record-breaking volume of people attempting to reserve campsites. As more and more people used the online system, long lines and technological issues caused delays and, in some cases, knocked customers out of the queue before they completed their reservations.The province is thus seeking input from Manitobans on ways to improve the booking process in the short term, while also working toward replacing the outdated system.  An online EngageMB survey is available for completion at www.engagemb.ca/improving-the-parks-reservation-serviceThis survey asks a number of questions aimed at guiding  the process toward a reliable, convenient and fair reservation system.I welcome constituents of Red River North to contact our constituency office by emailing rrnorthca@mymts.net or by calling 204-641-2107.   

As we officially move into the fall season I hope that everyone was able to take some time this summer to enjoy the amazing weather and the natural beauty here in Red River North. 

Over the past week or so I have had the opportunity for myself and my family to enjoy the beautiful areas of Grand Beach, Grand Marais and Victoria Beach and take part in local activities such as the Victoria Beach fall supper, which was also attended by members of our constituency. We are so fortunate here in Red River North to have these natural resources at our doorsteps.  

I was also honoored to attend a ground-breaking event this past week in East Selkirk to announce upgrades and expansion of the facilities and services at the East Selkirk water treatment plant. This upgrade was part of the Manitoba Water Services board capital projects, whereby the Progressive Conservative government invested more than $50 million in 42 new water and waste infrastructure projects across the province.

New health requirements now in effect

I hope that everyone has been able to take some time this summer to enjoy the amazing weather we have been having.  Our constituents are so very fortunate to be living in the beautiful communities in Red River North. The many parks, walking trails, beaches and the natural beauty of the area all contribute to a great quality of life. I also want to thank Manitobans for their continued support in following provincial public health orders over the past year and a half. As we continue to open up activities, the province has now developed new requirements for people to be fully immunized to participate in certain events. These requirements came into effect by public health orders on Sept. 3 for all health regions and will include:• Indoor and outdoor ticketed sporting events and concerts;• Indoor theatre/dance/symphony events;• Restaurants (indoor and patio dining);• Nightclubs and all other licensed premises;• Casinos, bingo halls and VLT lounges;• Movie theatres;• Fitness centres, gyms and indoor sporting and recreational facilities (excluding youth recreational sport);• Organized indoor group recreational classes and activities, and indoor recreational businesses;Children 11 and under who are not eligible to be immunized will be able to attend events and activities with fully immunized adults.As we prepared for our children to return to school last week, the province mandated further safeguards to ensure all of our children were safe to return to class. Mandatory mask usage was enacted in Manitoba schools for all grades and mandatory vaccinations for teachers and staff has also been enacted. These measures will create a safer environment for classroom learning and will also make all Manitobans safer. Following the resignation of Premier Brian Pallister, the PC caucus selected deputy premier and Legislative and Public Affairs minister Kelvin Goertzen as the next Premier of Manitoba. Premier Goertzen announced that five bills currently before the Legislature will not be moving forward, including the education reform Bill 64. This will allow a new leader to set their own agenda in the fall. I welcome constituents of Red River North to contact our constituency office either by email at rrnorthca@mymts.net or by telephone at 204-641-2107.   

I hope that everyone has been able to take some time this summer to enjoy the amazing weather we have been having.  

Our constituents are so very fortunate to be living in the beautiful communities in Red River North. The many parks, walking trails, beaches and the natural beauty of the area all contribute to a great quality of life. 

I also want to thank Manitobans for their continued support in following provincial public health orders over the past year and a half. 

A hopeful eye on the future

I hope that everyone has been able to take some time this summer to enjoy the amazing weather we have been having.  Our constituents are so very fortunate to be living in the beautiful communities of Red River North. The many parks, walking trails, beaches and the natural beauty of the area contributes to a great quality of life. I also want to thank Manitobans for their continued support of public health orders over the past year and a half. Because of our collective efforts, the province was able to move forward ahead of schedule with revised public health protocols. Public health recommendations and guidance, rather than restrictions, will play an increasingly significant role as the province prepares for a shift from pandemic to endemic COVID-19.  The newest orders allow indoor and outdoor gatherings at private residences, gyms and fitness centres, day camps and libraries, personal services such as hair and nail salons and retail businesses, markets, garden centres and malls to open without restrictions.  These orders are scheduled to expire at 12:01 a.m. on Sept. 7 and will re reassessed at that time. For complete information on COVID-19 visit www.manitoba.ca/covid19/The province also announced a new tool to improve access to child-care services for families. The new Manitoba Child Care Search is a simple and effective online tool that will connect families with licensed child-care facilities to meet their immediate or future child-care needs. This new, user-friendly application lists up-to-date information about licensed child-care vacancies, hours of operation and locations. Over the past few weeks, the federal and provincial governments have announced many approved infrastructure projects through the Canada-Manitoba Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. In Red River North, the Brokenhead Ojibway Nation’s project to build a powwow arbour was approved for a total cost of $456,299. This project will result in improved access to and increased quality of community, cultural and recreational infrastructure for Canadians, including Indigenous people.I welcome constituents of Red River North to contact my constituency office either by email at rrnorthca@mymts.net or by telephone at 204-641-2107.   

I hope that everyone has been able to take some time this summer to enjoy the amazing weather we have been having.  

Our constituents are so very fortunate to be living in the beautiful communities of Red River North. The many parks, walking trails, beaches and the natural beauty of the area contributes to a great quality of life. 

I also want to thank Manitobans for their continued support of public health orders over the past year and a half. Because of our collective efforts, the province was able to move forward ahead of schedule with revised public health protocols. Public health recommendations and guidance, rather than restrictions, will play an increasingly significant role as the province prepares for a shift from pandemic to endemic COVID-19.  

Milestone reached; project funding announced

Thanks to the efforts of many Manitobans to follow public health orders over the past year and a half, Manitoba has achieved its second holiday vaccine milestone of the 4-3-2-One Great Summer re-opening path nearly a month ahead of schedule, meaning more than 75 per cent of eligible Manitobans have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and more than 50 per cent of people have received both doses.  Public health officials have recommended that at least one incubation period should pass between changing public health orders.  As a result, new public health were issued on July 14 to reflect the immunization milestone achieved. Per capita, Manitoba continues to be first in the country in the total number of doses administered and percentage of eligible people aged 12 or older who are immunized at 129,222 per 100,000 and 51.1 per cent respectively. On the local front, I am pleased to announce local recipients of the Building Sustainable Communities Grant program located in the constituency of Red River North.I am proud to highlight our Progressive Conservative government’s investments in local projects that will help build thriving sustainable communities for everyone’s benefit. These grants will help economy beyond the pandemic. The Building Sustainable Communities Program has been expanded for 2021 with up to $13 million available to support 305 community development projects from across the province. Selected project recipients in the constituency of Red River North include:• Beaches of 59, train signage project. $7,875;• Red River Trail Association, Great Trail Parking Project , $29,964• Red River Trail Association, Grand Marais greenway safe crossing, $20,000• RM of East St Paul, arena air project, $15,000Our government values our partnership with not-for-profit organizations and municipal governments as we work together to build thriving, sustainable communities and I wish you much success with your projects.Constituents of Red River North can contact our constituency office either by email at rrnorthca@mymts.net or by telephone at 204-641-2107.   

Thanks to the efforts of many Manitobans to follow public health orders over the past year and a half, Manitoba has achieved its second holiday vaccine milestone of the 4-3-2-One Great Summer re-opening path nearly a month ahead of schedule, meaning more than 75 per cent of eligible Manitobans have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and more than 50 per cent of people have received both doses.  

Public health officials have recommended that at least one incubation period should pass between changing public health orders.  As a result, new public health were issued on July 14 to reflect the immunization milestone achieved. Per capita, Manitoba continues to be first in the country in the total number of doses administered and percentage of eligible people aged 12 or older who are immunized at 129,222 per 100,000 and 51.1 per cent respectively. 

On the local front, I am pleased to announce local recipients of the Building Sustainable Communities Grant program located in the constituency of Red River North.

Looking ahead with our reopening plan

Thanks to the efforts of  the many Manitobans who have followed public health orders over the past year and a half, our province is now in a position to gradually reopen and return to our normal lives.

Manitoba’s 4-3-2-One Great Summer Reopening Path includes more openings and fewer restrictions beginning by Canada Day and increasing as vaccination levels rise over the course of the summer.  

It focuses on the four reopening categories Manitobans value most, three summer holiday milestones for phasing out COVID-19 restrictions and two public health fundamentals for all Manitobans to follow.

For more information and to view the entire plan, please visit: www.manitoba.ca/covid19/prs/reopening/index.html

Government money to help businesses, families

Our PC government recently announced an increase in its budget for the Manitoba Bridge Grant and a fourth round of up to $5,000 payments for eligible businesses and organizations to help protect them through the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.This brings the total program investment to $286 million, which is $86 million above the province’s original commitment of $200 million. The province also announced an additional $2,000 top-up for restaurants in addition to the $5,000 Manitoba Bridge Grant payment to help cover the costs of food waste, employee wages, maintenance or insurance.We are delivering on our commitment to making life more affordable for working families by our most recent announcement of up to $1.9 million to support and protect families and early learning and child-care facilities affected by the new move to remote learning in Winnipeg and Brandon as part of the province’s public health measures. “Our government is taking strong action to protect Manitobans from the spread of COVID-19 and we recognize the significant impacts of these measures” Families Minister Squires said in her recent announcement. It was noted that these facilities in Winnipeg and Brandon will experience reduced attendance as schools move to remote learning which could affect more than 10,000 school-aged spaces. Parents of children in these spaces will not be expected to pay child-care fees during this time. This announcement was welcomed by the early learning child-care sector as well as the affected families of these children.Following a competitive tendering process, our government has signed a memorandum of understanding with Xplornet Communications to connect more than 125,000 unserved or underserved Manitobans to reliable, high-speed internet services. This agreement will provide broadband services to nearly 30 First Nations, and approximately 270 rural and northern communities, many of which are located in areas within the Red River North Constituency. This agreement makes use of an existing resource already in place that will help protect Manitobans and advance connectivity between Manitobans and communities throughout the province.  Please do not hesitate to contact or office for any issues or concerns you may have. My office can be reached at 204-641-2107 or rrnorthca@mymts.net 

Our PC government recently announced an increase in its budget for the Manitoba Bridge Grant and a fourth round of up to $5,000 payments for eligible businesses and organizations to help protect them through the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This brings the total program investment to $286 million, which is $86 million above the province’s original commitment of $200 million. The province also announced an additional $2,000 top-up for restaurants in addition to the $5,000 Manitoba Bridge Grant payment to help cover the costs of food waste, employee wages, maintenance or insurance.

We are delivering on our commitment to making life more affordable for working families by our most recent announcement of up to $1.9 million to support and protect families and early learning and child-care facilities affected by the new move to remote learning in Winnipeg and Brandon as part of the province’s public health measures. 

Budget 2021 protects Manitobans

Our PC government recently released Budget 2021, with a focus on protecting Manitobans and advancing Manitoba’s economy beyond the pandemic. This budget commits to investing more per person on health care, education, and social services combined than any other province, increasing funding in these areas by nearly $1.5 billion. We are delivering on our commitment to making life more affordable for working families through much-needed tax relief. We are moving forward with phasing out education property taxes for property owners, and will be rebating 50 per cent of education property taxes to residential and farm property owners (25 per cent per year). This will save an average home owner $1,100 over two years - leaving more money on the kitchen tables of Manitobans. We are also eliminating the retail sales tax on personal services and lowering vehicle registration fees by 10 per cent to provide Manitobans with more tax relief. I’m excited about the investments we are making through Budget 2021. This budget will support more families and individuals in our community and help advance our province beyond the pandemic. For more information on Budget 2021, please go to www.gov.mb.ca/budget2021/index.html ☐ ☐ ☐On a local note, I would like to congratulate the East St. Paul Curling Club on being confirmed as host club of the 2023 provincial Scotties Tournament of Hearts, scheduled for the last weekend of January 2023.  One year ago, the club was looking forward to announcing  that it would host the 2021 tournament. Unfortunately, that competition could not be held owing to the arrival of COVID-19 in Manitoba. I’m hopeful that the 2023 Scotties will move forward as planned. Congratulations to the members of the host committee ont their efforts and to the mayor and council for their hard work.Please do not hesitate to contact or office for any issues or concerns you may have. My office can be reached at 204-641-2107 or rrnorthca@mymts.net 

Our PC government recently released Budget 2021, with a focus on protecting Manitobans and advancing Manitoba’s economy beyond the pandemic.

 This budget commits to investing more per person on health care, education, and social services combined than any other province, increasing funding in these areas by nearly $1.5 billion. 

Reorganization puts students first

Our Progressive Conservative government recently announced changes to our education system that will put the needs of students first. This strategy will shift resources from top-heavy administration to the classroom and provide parents with greater say in their children’s education. The plan streamlines the school system by unifying 37 school divisions into one provincial education authority to manage administrative services while creating 15 regions to address local needs.Parents will have more meaningful involvement in local decision-making through new school community councils. These important changes will free up resources to be re-invested where they are needed most – in the classroom. This announcement builds on our previous commitments to build 20 new schools and a $1.6 billion education funding guarantee. ☐ ☐ ☐We are also making steady progress on our provincial COVID-19 immunization rollout. Vaccine pop-up clinics have launched in many rural and northern communities to make it easier for eligible Manitobans to be immunized. To access a full schedule for these clinics, please visit www.manitoba.ca/vaccine We have also launched an online booking system to increase accessibility for Manitobans while booking appointments. For more information, please visit: https://manitoba.ca/covid19/vaccine/eligibility-criteria.html☐ ☐ ☐ I am proud to highlight a recent provincial announcement of $9 million in fire protection grants to protect Manitobans, including approved projects in our local community.The East St. Paul Fire Department received funding totalling $41,500 comprised of $21,440 for a commercial washer and dryer and $20,100 for an overhead light tower. Our government recognizes the value of effective fire prevention services in keeping our communities safe. These projects will strengthen fire protection and emergency response services and protect residents and businesses for generations to come.   I welcome any questions or concerns you may have. My office can be reached at 204-641-2107 or rrnorthca@mymts.net

Our Progressive Conservative government recently announced changes to our education system that will put the needs of students first. 

This strategy will shift resources from top-heavy administration to the classroom and provide parents with greater say in their children’s education. The plan streamlines the school system by unifying 37 school divisions into one provincial education authority to manage administrative services while creating 15 regions to address local needs.

Parents will have more meaningful involvement in local decision-making through new school community councils. These important changes will free up resources to be re-invested where they are needed most – in the classroom. This announcement builds on our previous commitments to build 20 new schools and a $1.6 billion education funding guarantee. 

Mitigation program begins; firefighters honoured

Our government recently announced the opening of the ice-jam mitigation program on the Red River. This program, which consists of cutting and breaking river ice, was launched in 2006 to reduce the risk of flooding caused by ice jams on the lower Red River and several other rivers. We remain committed to making strategic investments in flood-control operations in order to protect Manitobans in the chance of a high water event due to ice jamming.As Manitobans continue to spend more time at home to help slow the spread of COVID-19, our government recognizes the need for innovative activities for families and individuals, especially over the winter months. We recently announced an additional $5 million to support more than 300 projects across the province to help Manitobans stay active and engaged while adhering to public health orders. For more information on the various free online programming, visit the Safe at Home Manitoba website at www.safeathomemb.caI also have good news to share on the COVID-19 vaccine front. We recently reached a deal to purchase two million doses of a new COVID-19 vaccine from Canada-based company Providence Therapeutics. This vaccine is currently undergoing clinical trials and is expected to protect against current and future variants of the virus. Until now, provinces have been forced to rely on the federal government to supply vaccines from international pharmaceutical companies. This deal will provide our province with a stable and predictable supply of vaccines and offer the best possible protection for every Manitoban who wants to be immunized.In local news, I am pleased to recognize five members of the East St. Paul Fire Department for 30 years of service in 2020.  They are:• Fire Chief Ray Riddolls;• Deputy Fire Chief Dennis Wiwcharyk;• Capt. Jernej Anderlic;• Firefighter Doug Roberts; • Firefighter Rolfe KajpustThe East St. Paul Fire Department is a critical part of our community. On behalf of the Province of Manitoba, I congratulate each of these members for their long-standing commitment to keeping our communities safe. Their dedication to protecting the community is greatly appreciated and I thank them and their families for their continued service. I am honoured to serve the wonderful constituents of Red River North. Please do not hesitate to contact my office with any questions or concerns you may have by calling 204-641-2107 or by emailing rrnorthca@mymts.net

Our government recently announced the opening of the ice-jam mitigation program on the Red River. 

This program, which consists of cutting and breaking river ice, was launched in 2006 to reduce the risk of flooding caused by ice jams on the lower Red River and several other rivers. We remain committed to making strategic investments in flood-control operations in order to protect Manitobans in the chance of a high water event due to ice jamming.

As Manitobans continue to spend more time at home to help slow the spread of COVID-19, our government recognizes the need for innovative activities for families and individuals, especially over the winter months.

Be aware of grant and program deadlines

Thanks to the tremendous efforts and sacrifices of many Manitobans, our government recently announced limited changes to the COVID-19 public health orders. These changes represent a cautious approach to re-opening, taking into consideration that we do not want to go backwards and see case counts rise. I encourage everyone to continue following the public health fundamentals of physical distancing, washing hands and wearing a mask to keep this success going. For our local communities and our municipal governments within the Red River North constituency, I would like to advise that applications are now available for the 2021 Urban and Hometown Green Team grants.Green Team programs support summer employment for hundreds of Manitoba’s youth by supporting community projects and providing valuable work experience. Green Team grants allow communities too hire youth aged 15 to 29 to work on community projects between May 1 and Aug. 31. Eligible recipients include non-profit organizations in Winnipeg and rural Manitoba and municipal governments in rural Manitoba. The deadline for applications is Feb. 15. For more information on Green Team applications visit www.manitobago.caThe Building Sustainable Communities grant also recently opened for applications to support community development projects. The 2021 program has been expanded to include support for larger-scale capital projects. This includes a maximum grant contribution of 50 per cent of eligible capital project costs, up to $300,000. Eligible applicants for the Building Sustainable Communities program include non-profit organizations, charitable organizations, municipalities and northern affairs community councils. Deadline for applications is Feb. 28. For more information about the program, or to apply, visit www.manitobago.caOur government recently announced an additional $50 million investment in education capital projects to enhance schools and classrooms across the province. I am pleased to share that in our community, the Dr. F.W.L. Hamilton School will be undergoing an exterior wall replacement project under this program. This much-needed repair will ensure staff and students have access to safe and secure learning facilities in our community and ultimately provide more opportunities for success. As we forge ahead in 2021, I continue to be honoured to represent the residents of the wonderful constituency of Red River North.  While we are not out of the woods yet in this pandemic, there is a light at the end of the tunnel and together we will forge ahead and into a new, brighter day.  Please do not hesitate to contact my office with any questions or concerns you may have at 204-641-2107 or rrnorthca@mymts.net. 

Thanks to the tremendous efforts and sacrifices of many Manitobans, our government recently announced limited changes to the COVID-19 public health orders. 

These changes represent a cautious approach to re-opening, taking into consideration that we do not want to go backwards and see case counts rise. I encourage everyone to continue following the public health fundamentals of physical distancing, washing hands and wearing a mask to keep this success going. 

Whew… 2020 was a challenge

2020 was undoubtedly a challenge for all Manitobans as the COVID-19 pandemic affected all our lives, including those of the constituents of Red River North.  Christmas this year looked different for all of us, with public health restrictions limiting gathering sizes to help limit the spread of the virus. However, with news of the vaccine arriving in Manitoba last month, there is hope and encouragement for a brighter 2021.Our provincial government continues to push forward to support small businesses and front-line workers who have been at the forefront of Manitoba’s response to the pandemic. They have made tremendous sacrifices for the health and safety of all Manitobans and we cannot thank them enough for it.  We have rolled out a number of programs and initiatives to help our business community make it through these unprecedented times.Our government recently announced $5 million for the Manitoba Chamber of Commerce to develop a program that provides financial relief to dine-in restaurants that have been impacted by the pandemic restrictions. We know that many businesses took on additional costs to adapt their operations to comply with public health orders. This program will be designed to help offset these additional expenses by providing a rebate to dine-in restaurants that have shifted to a delivery model. More information for restaurants and how to apply will be available in the weeks ahead.We have also supported local businesses through the Manitoba Bridge Grant, which provides an immediate one-time payment of $5,000 to small and medium-sized businesses, not-for-profit and charitable organizations that were directly ordered to temporarily cease operations due to the COVID-19 public health orders. The grant was recently expanded to include funding of up to $5,000 for Manitoba home-based businesses that have been affected by the pandemic restrictions. As of Dec.r 21, the province has provided approximately $43 million to 8,600 successful applicants. In terms of local news, I was honoured to provide a letter of support to Michael Swistun of the RM of East St Paul, on the renaming of Silver Springs Park to the Swistun Family Heritage Park. Michael’s father Bill and his brothers Don, Henry and Mike purchased the Silverfox Ranch in 1970. Michael said it was his dad’s vision to turn the pit into a park, and when he passed away in 1988 the rest of the family worked tirelessly to see it completed. The park is located between Silverfox Estates and Spring Hill in East St. Paul. 

2020 was undoubtedly a challenge for all Manitobans as the COVID-19 pandemic affected all our lives, including those of the constituents of Red River North.  

Christmas this year looked different for all of us, with public health restrictions limiting gathering sizes to help limit the spread of the virus. However, with news of the vaccine arriving in Manitoba last month, there is hope and encouragement for a brighter 2021.

Our provincial government continues to push forward to support small businesses and front-line workers who have been at the forefront of Manitoba’s response to the pandemic. They have made tremendous sacrifices for the health and safety of all Manitobans and we cannot thank them enough for it.  

Help yourselves by helping small businesses

These past few months have been difficult for us all as we navigate these challenging times brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. We recognize that small businesses and organizations have sacrificed greatly in order to help fight the spread of the virus. Since the very start of the pandemic, our government’s top priority has been to protect the health and safety of all Manitobans while supporting small business and the economy. In order to help businesses bridge these unprecedented times, our government has recently established the Manitoba bridge grant program, which provides $5,000 one-time grant for businesses, not-for-profits and charities that have been required to close due to the pandemic lockdown measures.Businesses and organizations that were actively conducting business in the province immediately prior to the implementation of Manitoba COVID-19 prevention orders are able to apply for one immediate $5,000 grant per business number. Should the public health orders remain in place past Jan. 1, 2021, the Manitoba bridge frant may be extended to provide an additional $5,000 to eligible organizations. The program’s application deadline is Dec.15, 2020. For more information on how to apply, please visit: www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/programs/bridge-grant.htmlIn addition, the province recently announced that it will advance payments through the Back to Work in Manitoba wage subsidy, which encourages employers to bring back employees or make new hires.Eligible employers that applied to the program on or before Nov. 9 can receive an advance payment of $1,500 per eligible worker hired or rehired under the program.  Employers can also now use the subsidy to rehire workers laid off because of public health restrictions. Continuing to support our small business community is paramount at this time.  That’s why Sat., Nov. 28 was designated Small Business Saturday to help encourage Manitobans to support small businesses online and using curbside pickup wherever possible.Local businesses are finding creative and innovative ways to safely offer products and services to customers through online storefronts, curbside pickup and delivery. There are still plenty of ways to shop local and support local this holiday season. We know that ultimately the best thing we can do for our community and local businesses is to stop the spread of COVID-19.Please follow the advice of Dr. Roussin and our healthcare leaders and stay home in order to protect our most vulnerable Manitobans, and if you are able, please consider shopping local to support our small businesses during these challenging times. 

These past few months have been difficult for us all as we navigate these challenging times brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

We recognize that small businesses and organizations have sacrificed greatly in order to help fight the spread of the virus. Since the very start of the pandemic, our government’s top priority has been to protect the health and safety of all Manitobans while supporting small business and the economy. 

In order to help businesses bridge these unprecedented times, our government has recently established the Manitoba bridge grant program, which provides $5,000 one-time grant for businesses, not-for-profits and charities that have been required to close due to the pandemic lockdown measures.

Updates and projects for Red River North

Every Manitoban family knows the importance of keeping a balanced household budget. Governments should do the same. Through fiscal discipline and targeted front-line investments over the past four-and-a-half years, the Manitoba government reported a modest surplus in its 2019-2020 year end financial results. With prudence, determination, and foresight, the province was able to achieve balance while making record investments in health care, education and families. When elected in 2016, our government was faced with a monumental challenge and amazing opportunities. With the support of Manitobans, we were able to achieve our goal of a balanced budget.☐ ☐ ☐On Oct. 1, the national COVID Alert app became available to Manitoba residents. This app uses Bluetooth technology to detect when users are near each other. If users test positive for COVID-19, they can choose to let other users know about potential exposure risk without sharing any personal information. The COVID Alert app does not collect personal information or health data and does not know or track the locations, names, addresses or contacts of any users. All aspects of the app are completely voluntary.The Health Canada COVID Alert app is available at no cost in the Apple and Google Play app stores.☐ ☐ ☐We have had some very exciting announcements in our constituency over the past month. I was especially delighted to join the Swistun family, Sport, Culture and Heritage Minister Cathy Cox (River East MLA), Kildonan-St. Paul MP Raquel Dancho, and East St. Paul mayor Shelley Hart to mark the start of construction of East St Paul’s newest  luxury apartment project, 1915.This revitalization will provide families the option to continue living independently and remain in their community once managing a household is no longer possible. ☐ ☐ ☐Another project moving forward is a new bridge on Highway 59 over the Red River Floodway, as the tendering process has just begun. Our government’s priority is safety and this bridge is over 56 years old and has exceeded its service life. It was constructed in 1964 and serves as a vital link to many Manitoban destinations, such as Birds Hill Provincial Park and Grand Beach, as well as a link to First Nations communities and several towns and villages.  The bridge is a connection to the city of Winnipeg and other areas in Manitoba and acts as an important trade corridor for goods and services. Construction will be staged to accommodate the operation of the Red River Floodway with completion anticipated by fall of 2023.

Every Manitoban family knows the importance of keeping a balanced household budget. 

Governments should do the same. Through fiscal discipline and targeted front-line investments over the past four-and-a-half years, the Manitoba government reported a modest surplus in its 2019-2020 year end financial results. 

With prudence, determination, and foresight, the province was able to achieve balance while making record investments in health care, education and families. When elected in 2016, our government was faced with a monumental challenge and amazing opportunities. With the support of Manitobans, we were able to achieve our goal of a balanced budget.

A roundup of Red River North activity

As population grows in rural Manitoba towns, cities and municipalities, our infrastructure has to grow with them.  I’m proud that our Progressive Conservative government has invested more than $50 million in 42 new water and waste infrastructure projects in rural Manitoba as part of the #RestartMB program.  Two of these projects were here in Red River North. The RM of East St. Paul is getting water and sewer renewals while the RM of St. Clements/East Selkirk is getting a water treatment plant upgrade. Projects were prioritized based on those that could be accomplished in a limited time-frame, public health concerns, environmental issues, and regional service. Funding these projects around Manitoba will provide safe drinking water, environmentally sustainable wastewater treatment helping keep our rivers and lakes safe, and will promote economic opportunities in rural Manitoba.   ☐ ☐ ☐Almost every city, town, and village has a monument, big or small, acknowledging Canadian efforts in the first and second world wars, the Korean War, Afghanistan and various peacekeeping missions. On Aug. 23rd, the Henderson Legion Branch No. 215 held a rededication ceremony for its cenotaph, which has been relocated from its former home at 1400 Henderson Highway last summer.  It was my honour to attend along with my colleagues for the dedication. One of the more memorable moments of the service came when Second World War veterans Fred Jackson, 96, and Orville Marshall, 98, laid the wreath at the foot of the cenotaph. I thank them and those who continue to serve, who stepped up to do their part in defence of our nation’s safety and security.☐ ☐ ☐ On Sept. 8, students in Manitoba headed back to class in a safe environment.  The Restart MB Restoring Safe Schools COVID-19 education plan puts the health and safety of all students first, along with that of teachers, staff and families within the school community. While schools will be different this year, efforts have been made to minimize the impact on the classrooms as much as possible. The Manitoba government continues to work closely with Public Health, the department of families, and education and community stakeholders to support all students as school resumes. Please keep up the good work by continuing to do what we need to do to keep well and stay safe. We are  in this together and together we will get through this.

As population grows in rural Manitoba towns, cities and municipalities, our infrastructure has to grow with them. 

 I’m proud that our Progressive Conservative government has invested more than $50 million in 42 new water and waste infrastructure projects in rural Manitoba as part of the #RestartMB program.  

Two of these projects were here in Red River North. The RM of East St. Paul is getting water and sewer renewals while the RM of St. Clements/East Selkirk is getting a water treatment plant upgrade.