Myrna Driedger

Trails are just two of Roblin’s natural treasures

The constituency of Roblin is made up of two amazing communities — Charleswood and Headingley. We have so many parks and beautiful wooded areas that I am continually in awe of the beauty surrounding us. In my opinion, we have the best walking trails right at our doorsteps. The Harte Trail in Charleswood and the Grand Trunk Trail in Headingley are special nature trails with an interesting history.

Both the Harte Trail and the Grand Trunk Trail are part of the Trans Canada Trail. This huge trail system is just what it sounds like — a network of trails all the way across Canada. It is the largest trail system in the entire world, and we have two integral pieces of it right here in our communities. The trail system is made up of a variety of trails including off-road greenways, waterways, abandoned rail lines, and highways. Both trails Roblin are located on the same abandoned rail line that was built by the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway and was used from 1894-1972. What an interesting piece of history right in our backyard.

These trails are taken care of by dedicated volunteers. In Headingley, the Grand Trunk Trail Association works hard to ensure that the trail is in great shape. Just one of the many features of the trail is the bridge added in 2017 to allow trail users to cross a creek. This enabled people to stay on the trail rather than use the road to enter the park. Thank you to the Grand Trunk Trail association for this great feature. For more information on this association, check out www.rmofheadingley.ca/p/headingley-grand-trunk-trail

In Charleswood, the Friends of the Harte Trail ensure that the trail is maintained and safe. There are a few ways to become involved with this great organization including becoming a member, volunteering, or donating to their cause. For more information on the Friends of the Harte Trail, check out www.hartetrail.com

In praise of our local museums

The constituency of Roblin is made up of two unique and beautiful communities. The community of Headingley and the community of Charleswood, which really are a little bit country and a little bit city. In my time as the MLA representing these two communities, I’ve had the opportunity to meet with and get to know some of the wonderful community organizations that make our neighbourhoods the wonderful places to live that they are. One such type of community organization is a local museum.

Headingley’s local museum is Jim’s Vintage Garages, located at the Headingley Heritage Centre at 5353 Portage Ave. This museum has garnered wonderful reviews from people all over the world and it’s not hard to see why. Jim’s Vintage Garages is named for Jim Pearn, who had a passion for collecting antique cars and service-station memorabilia.

Jim’s Vintage Garages website has great videos on some the 3,000 artifacts at the museum. These short vignettes are fun to watch and full of fascinating information on the workings of vehicles and vehicle related products from days gone by.

Jim’s Vintage Garages operates throughout the summer months and hosts special events in addition to their daily hours. Just check out their website at www.jimsvintagegarages.ca for more information!

Chemo Savvy celebrates 25 years

Years ago, I had two breast cancer scares. Luckily, for me, they were just that — scares — but I will always remember that traumatic fear as I waited for my results. I am so grateful to all of the incredible health-care workers in Manitoba who helped guide me through the process to check in on my health.

It is incredibly important for all of us to check in with our doctors and health care practitioners regularly.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Canadian women (excluding non-melanoma skin cancers). While breast cancer in men is rarer, it can still occur.

Chemo Savvy is an amazing dragon boat team made up of breast cancer survivors. And you don’t need experience in dragon boat racing to join their team — some members are new to the sport entirely. Team members spend three months participating in indoor training exercises before trying the real thing on the Red River. After practising hard, Chemo Savvy participates in annual dragon boat races.

Youth parliament holds 100th winter session

Manitoba’s Youth Parliament is one of the oldest youth parliaments in the commonwealth.

Beginning in 1922, this organization has evolved over the years. What began as the Older Boys’ TUXIS Parliament of Manitoba changed to the Older Boy’s Parliament of Manitoba before becoming the Youth Parliament of Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario. TUXIS referred to the ‘training under Christ in service’ movement of  the Protestant church. Dropping this name in the 1960s meant that people of other religious backgrounds were able to participate. However, it was still geared toward boys.

 The Youth Parliament of Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario came about in the 1970s and fully admitted female members. Today it is the Youth Parliament of Manitoba, a name it has held since 2003.

While Youth Parliament holds a variety of events, its keystone event is its winter session. This session for these future leaders is a week-long model parliament over the winter break. From Boxing Day to New Year’s Eve, participants debate a variety of mock legislation hey have created from topics about which they are so passionate.

Acknowledging the great work of Urban Stable

I’ve always felt that strong community organizations are at the core of a happy, connected, and vibrant community. As the MLA for the constituency of Roblin, I’ve had the honour over the years of connecting with so many impactful community organizations.

One such organization is Urban Stable. Its mission is to empower youth to engage in their education and community and achieve personal success through hands-on learning experiences with horses.

Growing up around horses in my home town of Benito, Man., I know how impactful their presence can be.

Recently, one of the pillars in the Urban Stable community announced her retirement from Urban Stable. Wendy MacDonald, co-founder and executive director is retiring after 20 years. I want to say thank you to Wendy for all her hard work over these past two decades. Her dedication to community has positively affected the lives of so many youth— over 700 youth and their families, in fact.

Crime in Charleswood and Headingley

Charleswood and Headingley are two unique and beautiful communities.

With our geographic locations right at the edge of the city, the constituency of Roblin really is a little bit city and a little bit country. Our constituency is half within the City of Winnipeg boundaries and half within the Rural Municipality of Headingley.

Like every community in Manitoba, Charleswood and Headingley have experienced crime. I have heard more and more from constituents about cars being rifled through or having items stolen from garages. These types of crimes are considered property crimes and make up a significant portion of the crime in our communities.

Charleswood falls under the jurisdiction of the City of Winnipeg Police Service. Residents who have questions or concerns about crime in Charleswood can call the non-emergency City of Winnipeg Police line at 204-986- 6222. To report a crime, residents are able to call the non-emergency line or report it online.

What to do when you meet a coyote

Fall is my favourite season. In our beautiful communities of Charleswood and Headingley we have many outdoor spaces in which we can enjoy the crisp fall air. From neighbourhood parks to walking trails, to the gorgeous Assiniboine river flowing through and next to our communities.

The constituency of Roblin is a truly unique environment because it really is a little bit city and a little bit country.

It’s no wonder that families choose to settle down in this wonderful region. And it’s not just people who love our community, its wildlife, too. We’ve all seen the many deer that choose our neighbourhood to frolic, there is a variety of birds, and I’ve seen foxes and rabbits, even beavers.

In recent years, I’ve heard more and more from constituents about coyote sightings. With our location near the Perimeter Highway and close to rural landscapes, our communities can see a variety of different wildlife than we might be used to. But coyotes are not harmless and encountering one or more should be taken seriously.

Mental health and COVID-19

COVID-19 has changed our lives completely. Since this pandemic began, we have been following the progress of this virus closely.

Thank you to everyone continuing to follow all Manitoba public health orders. It’s been a challenging time for so many people as we navigate this uncharted path. Remember to take care of your mental health. Reach out for help if you’re struggling, and know that it’s OK to not be OK.

The vaccine rollout has enabled so many of us to get our COVID-19 vaccines. It’s crucial that anyone who is hesitant about the vaccine speaks with a doctor about the many benefits of this important inoculation. The vaccine is the key to ending these tremendously challenging times.

When researching information about the vaccines, always look for reliable sources. Scientists, researchers, and medical professionals have years of experience understanding emerging medical advancements. Social media is not a place to gain a strong understanding of these important matters.  

Let’s hear it for the Canadian Red Cross

This pandemic has been a challenging time. I am especially grateful to all those who have aided in the effort to curb and combat COVID-19 and who have helped us navigate these unknown waters. One organization that has helped so very much is the Canadian Red Cross. The Canadian Red Cross has a very long history in our country. While it was officially founded in 1896, this humanitarian concept with the Red Cross as its symbol had existed for a few decades before that. The humanitarian organization that the Canadian Red Cross has grown into is an impressive one. I am so thankful for all that the CRC has done in our community. Some important highlights of the work they’ve done in Manitoba during the COVID-19 pandemic include: • Provided contact-tracing support with a team of up to 80 Red Cross callers who have called and answered over 100,000 calls;• Assisted 11 long-term care homes by providing prevention and control advice training and supplied teams of personnel to some of these care homes; • Helped with the supply of alternative isolation accommodations for First Nations individuals who were unable to isolate at home in their communities;• Provided 10 nurses in support of intensive care units as well as medical and emergency departments;• Assisted Stony Mountain Institution by providing prevention and control training. The Canadian Red Cross has also provided support to the Manitoba First Nations Pandemic Response Co-ordination Team after being invited by Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs grand chief Arlen Dumas. Some important highlights of this work include: • Helped with alternative accommodations in Winnipeg;• Assisted in procuring and shipping supplies to First Nations communities to support isolation sites. The Canadian Red Cross created and shipped isolation kits which included cots, blankets, pillows and hygiene kits for isolation areas. It also procured hand sanitizer, gloves, masks, thermometers, gowns, and other supplies as needed by the community. These supplies went out to 61 First Nations communities;• Deployed Red Cross teams to support outbreak response;• Worked with First Nations communities to support vaccination clinics. In doing so deployed vaccinators and other support staff;• Has also offered psychological first aid training to members of First Nations in Manitoba.The work undertaken by the Red Cross has been instrumental in fighting against COVID-19. I want to thank the Canadian Red Cross for all that they have done and continue to do. In challenging times like these, I look around and see so many people coming together to work toward and better tomorrow. Whether it’s community members following the public health orders or the Red Cross deploying aid, all these actions matter so very much. 

This pandemic has been a challenging time. I am especially grateful to all those who have aided in the effort to curb and combat COVID-19 and who have helped us navigate these unknown waters. One organization that has helped so very much is the Canadian Red Cross. 

The Canadian Red Cross has a very long history in our country. While it was officially founded in 1896, this humanitarian concept with the Red Cross as its symbol had existed for a few decades before that. The humanitarian organization that the Canadian Red Cross has grown into is an impressive one. I am so thankful for all that the CRC has done in our community. 

Some important highlights of the work they’ve done in Manitoba during the COVID-19 pandemic include:

Local Green Team funding recipients

Charleswood and Headingley are full of amazing local organizations. Strong community groups play a role in making our two neighbourhoods such wonderful places to live. I’m grateful to all the community members who dedicate their time and efforts to developing our community groups. Time and effort isn’t all it takes to foster strong organizations. Provincial grants help, too. I’d like to point out some of our local groups who received Green Team funding.• Oasis Church - Oasis church is located on Elmhurst Avenue in Charleswood, however, owing to COVID-19, it has moved services online. Thank you to Oasis Church for being so adaptable during these difficult times.• Westboine Park Housing Co-op -  This gorgeous housing complex is located in a park-like setting along Assiniboine River. There are 188 homes within this beautiful area. • Roblin Park Community Centre - Many of us have attended some of this community centre’s fantastic events, such as the annual winter carnival. The team here works hard to provide community services all year round. Thank you to Roblin Park Community Centre for all that you do.• Rotary Club of Winnipeg, Charleswood - The Charleswood Rotary Club’s motto is service above self and that’s clear in its work. This organization has been the driving force behind many local community development initiatives. They are the custodians of the Assiniboine Forest and are supporters of literacy programs in our schools. Thank you to the Charleswood Rotary Club for everything you do.• Purple Loosestrife Project Manitoba - Purple loosestrife is an invasive plant species that spreads along rivers, wetlands, and streams. Preventing the further spread and controlling existing populations of purple loosestrife is the goal of the Purple Loosestrife Project Manitoba. Thank you to this organization for your environmental conservancy.• Friends of the Harte Trail - The Harte Trail is a local gem in Charleswood. This trail is a piece of the Trans-Canada Trail. The Friends of the Harte Trail are stewards of this amazing natural space and I thank them for all their hard work. • Charleswood Minor Baseball Association - Sports teach children so many important life lessons and teams are often the beginning of many lifelong friendships. Thank you to all the organizers of this important community groupGreen Team funding will allow many of these organizations to hire local youth. Gaining valuable work experience in our community is a wonderful thing for some of our younger constituents in Roblin. 

Charleswood and Headingley are full of amazing local organizations. Strong community groups play a role in making our two neighbourhoods such wonderful places to live. 

I’m grateful to all the community members who dedicate their time and efforts to developing our community groups. Time and effort isn’t all it takes to foster strong organizations. Provincial grants help, too. I’d like to point out some of our local groups who received Green Team funding.

Oasis Church - Oasis church is located on Elmhurst Avenue in Charleswood, however, owing to COVID-19, it has moved services online. Thank you to Oasis Church for being so adaptable during these difficult times.Westboine Park Housing Co-op -  This gorgeous housing complex is located in a park-like setting along Assiniboine River. There are 188 homes within this beautiful area.Roblin Park Community Centre - Many of us have attended some of this community centre’s fantastic events, such as the annual winter carnival. The team here works hard to provide community services all year round. Thank you to Roblin Park Community Centre for all that you do.Rotary Club of Winnipeg, Charleswood - The Charleswood Rotary Club’s motto is service above self and that’s clear in its work. This organization has been the driving force behind many local community development initiatives. They are the custodians of the Assiniboine Forest and are supporters of literacy programs in our schools. Thank you to the Charleswood Rotary Club for everything you do.Purple Loosestrife Project Manitoba - Purple loosestrife is an invasive plant species that spreads along rivers, wetlands, and streams. Preventing the further spread and controlling existing populations of purple loosestrife is the goal of the Purple Loosestrife Project Manitoba. Thank you to this organization for your environmental conservancy.Friends of the Harte Trail - The Harte Trail is a local gem in Charleswood. This trail is a piece of the Trans-Canada Trail. The Friends of the Harte Trail are stewards of this amazing natural space and I thank them for all their hard work. Charleswood Minor Baseball Association - Sports teach children so many important life lessons and teams are often the beginning of many lifelong friendships. Thank you to all the organizers of this important community groupGreen Team funding will allow many of these organizations to hire local youth. Gaining valuable work experience in our community is a wonderful thing for some of our younger constituents in Roblin. 

Manitoba 150 honouree a credit to community

The constituency of Roblin is made up of two amazing and unique communities, Charleswood and Headingley. During my time representing our communities, I have had the privilege of meeting many wonderful and dedicated local community leaders. Our province turned 150 years old last year in 2020 – what a milestone. Although we were not able to gather and celebrate as originally planned, there will come a time when it will be safe to do so. That’s not to say that there haven’t been any kind of celebrations. I’ve been happy to read about all the amazing awards and recognitions over the past few months. One of those is the Manitoba Honour 150 Award. The Manitoba Honour 150 awards list, presented by Canada Life, recognizes 150 people from across the province who stand out for their role in making Manitoba such an amazing province. Award winners receive a special medal created by Manitoba artist Takashi Iwasaki, and also choose a charity to which Canada Life will donate $500. This donation is in keeping with the selfless spirit of those honoured with this important award. To see the full listing of Manitoba Honour 150 award recipients, check out Manitoba150.com   One impressive award recipient, Dorota Blumczynska, is a member of our community here in the constituency of Roblin. At the young age of nine, Ms. Blumczynska moved with her family to Canada as a refugee. She experienced challenges and struggles in Canada that, unfortunately, many newcomers face. Despite these challenges, Ms. Blumczynska has thrived in Manitoba and used her experiences to help others. To me, that is the most selfless endeavour that there is, to use your lived experiences to help your community. I am in awe of this wonderful community member. She spent 13 years as executive director of the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba. Ms. Blumczynska has now taken on a new challenge as CEO of the Manitoba Museum. Ms. Blumczynska chose Hospitality House Refugee Ministry to receive this award’s donation. Hospitality House is a non-profit organization, and has for many years been Winnipeg’s leading sponsor of refugees. I want to thank Dorota Blumczynska for all that she does in our city. She is a dedicated community leader with a strong record of making an enormous impact in the lives around her. Thank you, Dorota!

The constituency of Roblin is made up of two amazing and unique communities, Charleswood and Headingley. During my time representing our communities, I have had the privilege of meeting many wonderful and dedicated local community leaders. 

Our province turned 150 years old last year in 2020 – what a milestone. 

Although we were not able to gather and celebrate as originally planned, there will come a time when it will be safe to do so. That’s not to say that there haven’t been any kind of celebrations. I’ve been happy to read about all the amazing awards and recognitions over the past few months. One of those is the Manitoba Honour 150 Award. 

150th anniversary of first Legislative day

This past March 15 was the 150th anniversary of the first sitting day of the Manitoba Legislative Assembly. As Speaker, I was happy to acknowledge this monumental date in the chamber with a special statement. Today I’d like to share  some parts of that statement:“The first sitting day saw the election of the first Speaker, Joseph Royal, Esq., who was immediately tasked with reading the first speech from the throne. Among other matters, the speech included instructions for members to draft laws covering the most basic government functions. “Referring to the MLAs as the ‘Gentlemen of the Legislative Assembly’ the speech also instructed members to take over responsibility for the expenditures of the government from the federal ministers. “In those early years of our provincial history the ability of the Legislature to tax was limited, and 90 per cent of provincial expenditures were covered by the federal government. It’s interesting to take a look back at that first budget which totaled $81,425. Some of the line items in the budget included: $10,000 for roads and bridges; $6,000 for public buildings; $2,000 for immigration and agriculture; $500 for the hospital of St. Boniface. “From 1871 to 1873 the assembly met in a modest log house in the Red River Settlement owned by A.G.B. Bannatyne. The assembly met on the main floor while the upper chamber met in the upstairs. Impressively, the current Manitoba Legislative Assembly holds within it a piece of history from this first modest house - the old mace.Although this mace was replaced by our current mace in 1884, I am so pleased that we still have this important piece of history.When I became Speaker in 2016, I began the tradition in which the old mace is used every year on Manitoba Day and on other special occasions, such as the 150th anniversary of the first sitting day of the Manitoba Legislature. “I feel that it provides a visceral and vivid reminder of where our assembly began all those years ago. Our predecessors could scarcely have imagined what the future would hold in store for our province, nor could they have imagined the complex, technological world in which we live. “I would encourage members to reflect on the solemn responsibility we all share to serve our constituents - the same responsibility faced in 1871- and recall that whatever heated debates we have here are part of a long legacy of service to the citizens of this province.”

This past March 15 was the 150th anniversary of the first sitting day of the Manitoba Legislative Assembly. As Speaker, I was happy to acknowledge this monumental date in the chamber with a special statement. 

Today I’d like to share  some parts of that statement:

“The first sitting day saw the election of the first Speaker, Joseph Royal, Esq., who was immediately tasked with reading the first speech from the throne. Among other matters, the speech included instructions for members to draft laws covering the most basic government functions. 

Hybrid Legislative setting is working

This past year has been challenging in somany ways, including how legislative duties are conducted at the Manitoba legislature. The House recently resumed sitting and what that looks like now is so very different from what it looked like pre-COVID. These changes happened rapidly over a short period of time. As Speaker of the Manitoba Legislature, it fell to me to protect the health and safety of all MLAs while ensuring full parliamentary representation and accountability. In order to do this, many changes to proceedings were undertaken, including physical distancing measures in the chamber and engaging virtual options for carrying out the business of the assembly. This was a massive undertaking and I want to thank the team behind the scenes, including the many technical assistants, clerks and administrative helpers who worked tirelessly over the summer and fall of 2020 and who continue to support these changes. Because of them, the Manitoba Legislative Assembly has been able to meet in a hybrid of in-person and virtual settings. Adapting to this hybrid model has been a cultural shift in this 150-year-old institution, especially one that is not known for accepting rapid change easily. Despite some technical glitches here and there, I am pleased to say that the transition has been a wonderful solution to an unprecedented challenge. As time goes on and members become more comfortable with this technology, I’ve had to say “if the member would please unmute” far less.This accomplishment places the Manitoba Legislature as the leader in Canada in technological accommodations for legislative business. While the federal government and other provinces have gone down a similar route for their House sittings, we are the only jurisdiction to successfully conduct three hybrid sittings from three different rooms simultaneously as is required during estimates. Unfortunately, this pandemic and the necessary limitations we are living with will persist into 2021. We cannot know when we will be able to return to life as it had been. We do know, however, that the Manitoba Legislative Assembly, our democratic institution, will not be impeded. Your representatives will continue to advocate for our communities in the House as the session resumes, albeit in a new way. I thank all the Manitoba Legislative Assembly staff who have helped to make these hybrid technological and in person sessions possible. Watch question period live at www.gov.mb.ca/legislature/business/house_broadcasts 

This past year has been challenging in somany ways, including how legislative duties are conducted at the Manitoba legislature. The House recently resumed sitting and what that looks like now is so very different from what it looked like pre-COVID. These changes happened rapidly over a short period of time. 

As Speaker of the Manitoba Legislature, it fell to me to protect the health and safety of all MLAs while ensuring full parliamentary representation and accountability. In order to do this, many changes to proceedings were undertaken, including physical distancing measures in the chamber and engaging virtual options for carrying out the business of the assembly. 

This was a massive undertaking and I want to thank the team behind the scenes, including the many technical assistants, clerks and administrative helpers who worked tirelessly over the summer and fall of 2020 and who continue to support these changes. Because of them, the Manitoba Legislative Assembly has been able to meet in a hybrid of in-person and virtual settings. 

McClung Foundation honours 150 trailblazers

The year 2020 marked the 150th anniversary of Manitoba becoming a province. Although we were unable to gather and celebrate this milestone, this is a time to reflect on our past and how we came to be where we are today. The Nellie McClung Foundation’s latest initiative does just that. The Nellie McClung Foundation is close to my heart. Through my private member’s bill in 2003, this organization was launched to honour Nellie and her peers with a well-deserved monument on the grounds of the Manitoba Legislature. Helen Granger Young is the artist who created the gorgeous monument that now rests on the west grounds. I encourage you to walk by and take a look. After the monument was installed, the Nellie McClung Foundation evolved to raise awareness of and celebrate McClung’s legacy by inspiring and educating present and future champions to continue the journey to equality. In celebration of the 150th anniversary of Manitoba becoming a province, its latest initiative recognizes the contributions Manitoba woman have made to social justice, arts, sports, politics, community activities and promoting democracy while developing this great province. The Manitoba 150 Women Trailblazers recognizes the many Manitoba women in our past and present who have made our province the place it is today. An external, independent panel had the very difficult task of choosing the 150 Trailblazer award recipients from over 300 nominees. I am honoured to have been chosen as one of the Trailblazers. Some of the others include: Agnès Roy; Judy Wasylycia-Leis; Chief Betsy Kennedy; Evelyn Hart; Shirley Render; Wilma Derksen; and Sharon Carstairs, to name just a few. It wasn’t just individuals who were named trailblazers; organizations and groups were also honoured. Some of these impressive recipients include the founding board of directors of Women’s Health Clinic; The Shameless Circle; and Winnipeg Raging Grannies. To see a full list of these impressive people and organizations have a look at Ournellie.com Owing to COVID-19, the Nellie McClung Foundation was unable to honour the recipients at an in-person event, however, it looks forward to publishing an online book celebrating all nominees and award recipients. It’s important that we take the time to honour our past and how we came to be where we are right now. Thank you to the Nellie McClung Foundation for organizing this initiative 

The year 2020 marked the 150th anniversary of Manitoba becoming a province. Although we were unable to gather and celebrate this milestone, this is a time to reflect on our past and how we came to be where we are today. The Nellie McClung Foundation’s latest initiative does just that. 

The Nellie McClung Foundation is close to my heart. Through my private member’s bill in 2003, this organization was launched to honour Nellie and her peers with a well-deserved monument on the grounds of the Manitoba Legislature. Helen Granger Young is the artist who created the gorgeous monument that now rests on the west grounds. I encourage you to walk by and take a look. 

After the monument was installed, the Nellie McClung Foundation evolved to raise awareness of and celebrate McClung’s legacy by inspiring and educating present and future champions to continue the journey to equality. In celebration of the 150th anniversary of Manitoba becoming a province, its latest initiative recognizes the contributions Manitoba woman have made to social justice, arts, sports, politics, community activities and promoting democracy while developing this great province. The Manitoba 150 Women Trailblazers recognizes the many Manitoba women in our past and present who have made our province the place it is today. 

Literacy and the value of reading

February is I Love to Read Month and what a wonderful thing it is to celebrate.Since becoming MLA, reading to students in our constituency for I Love to Read month has been one of the highlights of my role. Seeing a class full of engaged young students listening intently to a story is wonderful to see. It’s a testament to the work that teachers and families put in to get kids excited about reading. When I was very young, my natural curiosity led me to be an avid reader. I read every Nancy Drew book I could and still, to this day, love to read mysteries. I think about that love for learning that was fostered in me from a young age when I pass the gorgeous libraries in our constituency of Roblin. I am so glad to know that our young community members have the opportunity to develop a love of reading in these happy and encouraging environments. Literacy is a one of the most valuable life skills. Reading can open a young mind and broaden a person’s world-view. It can empower, it can help to build confidence, and it can make a lasting impact. Although literacy is a skill that some struggle with, it’s a skill that can be sharpened by discovering a love for reading, maybe by discovering a new favourite genre of books or an interesting series. Our libraries are one of the best resources in our communities. The Headingley Municipal Library, located on Alboro Street, is a beautiful community place. Due to COVID-19, the library is not open at this time, however, keep in mind that there will come a time when our community places will be able to open again. This holds true for the Charleswood Public Library, too. The Charleswood library is located on Roblin Boulevard and Dieppe Road at 4910 Roblin. Right now, we are unable to browse through the books in person, to sit in the comfortable reading chairs and browse snippets of stories, or to meet with others in the available meeting rooms, but remember that we have access to the wonderful library resources at the tip of our fingers. In addition to the online app, contactless holds, pickups and returns are still available at the Charleswood library. This might just be the perfect time to get lost in one of the many fantastic books out there.Download the library apps and opena world of possibilities today.

February is I Love to Read Month and what a wonderful thing it is to celebrate.

Since becoming MLA, reading to students in our constituency for I Love to Read month has been one of the highlights of my role. Seeing a class full of engaged young students listening intently to a story is wonderful to see. It’s a testament to the work that teachers and families put in to get kids excited about reading. 

When I was very young, my natural curiosity led me to be an avid reader. I read every Nancy Drew book I could and still, to this day, love to read mysteries. I think about that love for learning that was fostered in me from a young age when I pass the gorgeous libraries in our constituency of Roblin. I am so glad to know that our young community members have the opportunity to develop a love of reading in these happy and encouraging environments. 

Get out and walk the trails

I’ve been starting all my recent columns with information about the mental health services available. Your mental health matters. COVID-19 has placed a difficult strain on all of us and has impacted every facet of our lives. Many of us are dealing with depression and anxiety in ways we’ve never had to before. It’s OK to not be OK. There are resources available. Reach out, get help, and know that your mental health is a tremendously important aspect of your health. Check out this link for more information on the virtual counselling and therapy made available by the Province of Manitoba: www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/bewell/index.html I hope your holidays were wonderful and safe and I hope you all had an opportunity to connect with friends and family over the phone or on video call. As we all know, this winter will be different than past winters. We will not be traveling or gathering or celebrating together and while this winter must be different, it can be just as rewarding and entertaining as any other.Let’s look inward and explore our neighbourhoods with all the many gems located throughout.Charleswood and Headingley are two beautiful communities with amazing nature all around. A very COVID-19 safe activity I encourage all to take part in is utilizing our beautiful trails. The Harte Trail and the Grand Trunk Trail are both connected to the longest trail system in Canada — The Great Trail, which is a trail network that stretches from coast to coast — and we have access to it in our own backyard. Both trails are well used and you’ll be sure to run into some neighbours when you’re out. I love to walk these trails. They are peaceful and quiet and a perfect place to be mindful of the wonderful aspects of our community. I especially love when I see some of the many deer who also use the trail!COVID-19 has been a challenge. It will continue to be challenging as we navigate these months ahead. Remember to get outside, go for walks, and enjoy the wonderful elements our neighbourhoods have to offer. The Harte Trail in Charleswood and the Grand Trunk Trail in Headingley are right at our doorsteps, ready to be explored.I’ve been starting all my recent columns with information about the mental health services available. 

Your mental health matters. COVID-19 has placed a difficult strain on all of us and has impacted every facet of our lives. Many of us are dealing with depression and anxiety in ways we’ve never had to before. 

It’s OK to not be OK. There are resources available. Reach out, get help, and know that your mental health is a tremendously important aspect of your health. 

Making the best of things is what we do

Charleswood and Headingley are two unique and dynamic neighbourhoods. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege to get to know many residents and am honoured to represent all of you in the Manitoba Legislature. COVID-19 has been a tremendous challenge for everybody. It has touched every part of our lives and contributed to heightened anxiety. Regardless of how COVID-19 has affected you, I encourage everyone to reach out to others. We must be physically distant but that does not mean socially distant.This pandemic has gone on for many months now and the reality is that we know we still have a long way to go before life can return to normal. That’s a difficult reality to accept and it weighs on us all. Times like these make me especially grateful for all the positive things that are happening in our communities  — the displays of community, the great resources, and the selfless gestures.I’d like to highlight some of those.• Seeing community members in both Charleswood and Headingley post about their home-made backyard rinks on social media has been a joy. Skating is a great way to stay fit, get outdoors and enjoy the winter weather. Remember to maintain a distance from those outside of your household. What a great show of community.• The Headingley Municipal Library is a great community resource. Due to the public health restrictions, visitors are not able to go in to the library to browse books, but that’s no problem. The library has an online presence and e-books are a great way to keep up with your reading. The Charleswood Public Library also has an online presence with a great selection of books  and all you have to do is download the app. I encourage all community members to check out these easy to use resources.• Oak Park High School’s philanthropy committee recently collected cash donations and new pajamas for Willow Place. I am always so impressed by the young community minded advocates that I am so fortunate to meet in our community. This act of kindness is a wonderful uplifting display of selflessness in our community. Thank you for all that you do.These are just a few snapshots of the positive things happening all around us. Everywhere I look in the constituency of Roblin, I see so much good. This strong community with our friendly neighbours, great resources, and wonderful groups make Headingley and Charleswood a wonderful place to call home. 

Charleswood and Headingley are two unique and dynamic neighbourhoods. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege to get to know many residents and am honoured to represent all of you in the Manitoba Legislature. 

COVID-19 has been a tremendous challenge for everybody. It has touched every part of our lives and contributed to heightened anxiety. Regardless of how COVID-19 has affected you, I encourage everyone to reach out to others. We must be physically distant but that does not mean socially distant.

A little civility, please…

Fall is a time of getting back into the rhythm of things and getting back to normal — whatever that normal may be.

Some of us are going back to school while others are done with summer vacations and focusing once more on work. While this year will be different than any other year due to COVID-19, I’ve been thinking about what we’ve come to accept as normal in some aspects of our lives.

Social media has, over the years, become important in our lives. Some people use it to connect with friends and share memories, others use it to highlight issues that are important to them, and others use it to promote a cause and share their opinions. It’s become an important tool in communication for people, regardless of their profession, age, or technological prowess.

There are so many benefits to social media. Never before have we been more connected all throughout the world than at this moment in time — and that is a wonderful thing. But I can’t talk about social media without also talking about the negatives associated with it.

In-person learning will resume

COVID-19 has turned our sense of normal upside down. Every aspect of our lives is different and will continue to be different for a long time.

We have had to unite in our commitment to flatten the curve, an endeavour that has greatly paid off as seen by our relatively low case numbers. It’s important that we acknowledge the immense stress this has caused so many of us. It’s been especially difficult for families with children. This is an unprecedented time in our lives and we are all navigating this together. Manitoba has been taking its cues from public health officials and regulations are evolving along with the evolution of COVID-19 in our province.

Recently, the Manitoba government, in line with public health recommendations, announced that school for students in kindergarten to Grade 12 will take place in-person this upcoming fall.

I know that this causes a heightened level of anxiety for many. I encourage everyone to talk about their anxieties and stresses during this difficult time. Mental health concerns are serious and affect us all. For more information on free online counselling services set up to help get us through COVID-19, please go to https://www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/bewell/index.html