Before forming government, Wab Kinew and the NDP were vocal critics of healthcare privatization. They rightly argued that public dollars should strengthen Manitoba’s public healthcare system, not increase profits for private corporations. Unfortunately, once in government, they have largely adopted the same privatization policies they once condemned.

The clearest example is Dynacare, the Ontario-based, for-profit company that now dominates blood collection and testing services in Manitoba. Rather than rebuilding public laboratory services, the Kinew government has expanded Dynacare’s role in our healthcare system.

The consequences are significant. Workers performing the same laboratory work earn substantially less at Dynacare than their counterparts in the public system. According to the Manitoba Association of Health Care Professionals, Dynacare laboratory staff earn roughly 24 per cent less than public-sector workers doing the same job. At the same time, profits generated from Manitoba’s healthcare system leave the province and flow to corporate shareholders in Ontario rather than being reinvested in Manitoba communities.

Patients have also seen services become less accessible. Many Manitobans remember when blood could be collected at their doctor’s office or neighbourhood clinic. In Fort Garry, residents once had two community blood collection sites. Today, there are none. Patients are increasingly required to travel to centralized “super centres,” often by car, simply to access routine testing.

I am pleased to share some exciting updates about the work our government is doing to make downtown Winnipeg safer, stronger, and more affordable for the folks in Union Station.

This summer, our government is investing $2.2 million to strengthen community-led safety initiatives across downtown Winnipeg. By investing in organizations like the Downtown Community Safety Partnership, Downtown Winnipeg BIZ, West End BIZ, West Broadway BIZ, and Exchange District BIZ, we’re supporting the people who know our constituency best. This funding will help build stronger community partnerships based on public safety, de-escalation, and wellness. Whether you’re living, commuting to work, or visiting a local business, everyone deserves to feel safe in our community.

A safer downtown also helps bring in new businesses and services to Union Station. That’s why I’m excited to see that Red River Co-op grocery store and pharmacy are planned as part of the redevelopment of the former Portage Place mall, with an expected opening in 2029. This is a welcome addition for our community as it brings greater access to fresh food and pharmacy services. For many years, Union Station residents have advocated for a grocery store like this and it’s wonderful to welcome a proudly Canadian community owned grocer.

As more grocery options come to Union Station, I know that affordability matters. Families are feeling the pressure of rising food costs every time they shop. That’s why, beginning on Canada Day (July 1), our government removed the provincial sales tax (PST) from groceries through Bill 53, helping Manitobans save money every time they shop.

As you read this, we are in a period known as the Nine Days — a time when Jews traditionally perform mourning rituals, leading up to the ninth day of the month of Av, which falls on July 23 this year.

This day is traditionally considered to be the anniversary of many tragedies in Jewish history, starting with the destruction of the First Temple in Jerusalem by the Babylonians in 587 BCE (Before the Common Era). It is also said to be the date of the destruction of the Second Temple by the Romans in 70 CE, and also of the Expulsion from Spain in 1492 CE. It is traditional to sit on the ground, read the Book of Lamentations, sing sad songs, and to fast for 25 hours as a sign of grief and penitence.

During the Nine Days leading to the ninth of Av, it is traditional to abstain from meat and wine and to avoid wearing new clothes (some people will not even do laundry). Some Jewish summer camps will not allow their campers to go swimming. No weddings are held, as it is considered a very inauspicious time.

Why am I telling you all this? Because I believe we live in a society in which open grief and mourning are not always welcomed. Jewish tradition mandates at least a week of intense mourning after the death of a relative, and yet some people are only given a day or two off work for the death of a parent or spouse, and are expected to resume their lives afterwards as if nothing has happened. Tears are considered weakness, especially for men. Emotions should just be bottled up, we shouldn’t bother anyone. Even on Remembrance Day, so solemn and full of grief, stoicism reigns supreme.

Since the last election in 2025, Prime Minister Carney has ushered through Parliament more legislation dealing with getting tougher on crime than any other Prime Minister in generations, all in one year.

From bail reform that will make it harder to get bail for serious repeat offenders to lawful access that will deal with issues like extortion and child exploitation to re-instating numerous mandatory minimum jail sentences and spousal coercion to hate motivated crimes and protecting public spaces like faith and community facilities. If you are interested in any or all the legislation that I have referenced please let me know.

The federal government cannot do it alone, provinces and cities also have to take actions. Safe neighbourhoods and cities do not happen by accident. Co-operation, transparency, and accountability are a shared responsibility when it comes to making our communities safe.

For most people think first of our police officers when they think of public safety. Police are the first responders and they are on the front lines, responding to emergencies, investigating crimes, and where possible preventing crimes. Winnipeg Police Service is all about “Building safe and healthy neighbourhoods through excellence in law enforcement, protection, and crime prevention.” Note that it is the City of Winnipeg that is responsible for hiring and providing the supports needed to have an effective police force.

It’s summer in Concordia again and my office does not slow down — despite the rain that our community has been getting! We have been hard at work connecting with neighbours on their doorstep this summer. A lot of community members have been telling us about the damage the storms have caused to their vehicles, eavestrough, roofs, and their basements from flooding. If you need assistance and think we might be able to help, don’t hesitate to reach out. We may be able to direct you to resources and supports that can ease the financial burden of repairs to your house and cars.

I have also been attending a variety of community barbecues and events in our neighbourhood. Valley Gardens Community Centre celebrated their 50th anniversary with another amazing family fun day. It was great reminiscing with folks like me who grew up in the community and have fond memories of VGCC over the years.

Kent Road School hosted their annual feast again this year and I was happy to come and talk to parents, teachers and students. Kent Road has a strong tradition of community engagement and an active parent-teacher association that strives to provide the best possible education for the next generation.

I also went to the Keenleyside Tenants Association Community Barbecue again this year. For years now Keenleyside Family Dynamics has been working to assist those living in Manitoba Housing in our community and ensuring that everyone has a chance to succeed. Their work is invaluable and I thank them for inviting me again this year.