Working together for a better Manitoba

The Maples

As we move forward into the year ahead, I want to take a moment to thank my neighbours and constituents – the people I am proud to represent. Your priorities guide the work we do every day, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve our community.

Our government continues to focus on the issues you have told us matter most – rebuilding health care, making life more affordable, creating good jobs, and keeping our communities safe. We have made meaningful progress, and there is more work underway.

I am pleased to share that construction of new emergency department at Victoria Hospital and E.M. Crowe Memorial Hospital in Eriksdale is set to begin this year. We are also working to reduce wait times by building new personal care homes, opening neighbourhood clinics, and increasing surgeries and diagnostic testing across the province.

One of the new tools helping people get care faster is Medinav, Manitoba’s online booking system for same-day and next-day clinic appointments. It’s simple to use and helps you avoid long waits in the ER for non-emergency concerns. Many participating clinics are open evenings, weekends, and even holidays.

To book, just visit medinav.ca, create an account, add your Manitoba Health card, and choose a clinic and time. You can book for your children and family too, and walk-in options are still available at extended-hours clinics.

We are also taking steps to make life more affordable. We froze Hydro rates for a year, increased the homeowners affordability tax credit, and provided permanent relief at the gas pump by making Manitoba’s fuel tax one of the lowest in the country.

Another important step is improving competition in the grocery sector. I was proud to introduce Bill 31, The Property Controls for Grocery Stores and Supermarkets Act, which is now law. It ends restrictive land agreements that big grocery chains used to block competitors from opening nearby. More competition means better prices for families.

We are also investing in safer communities. Through the Manitoba security rebate program, homeowners and renters can receive up to $300, and businesses up to $2,500 per location, to help cover the cost of eligible security upgrades and damage repairs. This investment supports safer homes, stronger businesses, and healthier communities.

To apply, visit the program website: https://www.manitoba.ca/justice/securityrebate.html

We recognize that there is still much work ahead, and we are up for the challenge. As always, I welcome hearing from you. Whether you would like me to attend a local event or have questions, concerns, or ideas to share, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can call my office at 204-417-3486 or email me at mintu.sandhu@yourmanitoba.ca

Together, we will continue working to build a stronger, healthier, and more affordable Manitoba for everyone.