One decision can create a lasting ripple effect

Kildonan–River East

April 7 is Green Shirt Day in honour of Logan Boulet, a Humboldt Broncos hockey player who lost his life in the tragic 2018 bus crash and subsequently saved six lives as an organ donor. I encourage everyone to have an important conversation with their families about organ donation. Even if you are registered as an organ donor, your loved ones will still have the final say on whether organ donation occurs, so it’s crucial you let them know your wishes. To learn more or to register, please visit signupforlife.ca. One decision can create a lasting ripple effect.

This was the third consecutive year I attended both the opening and closing ceremonies of the All Seniors Care Seniors Games at River Ridge Retirement Residences 1 and 2. The dedicated staff who organize these events create a welcoming and positive atmosphere and it’s a joy to be part of cheering the active, vibrant seniors on. It was truly magical to watch residents proudly show off medals from past years while others experienced a new sport or activity for the very first time. This reminds us that it’s never too late to try something new and of all the benefits of staying active at all ages.

Our local team read at almost every daycare and school in Kildonan-River East during I Love to Read Month. We even showed up for students and educators in Dawson Trails, Springfield-Ritchot and Red River North. I wish my colleagues who represent these rural communities would take part in I Love to Read Month to show up for their communities. We need to hold our elected officials to a higher standard, because showing up matters.

Our local team has been door-knocking, and we’ve heard you loud and clear on your struggles navigating the health-care system. Through these conversations, we’ve realized many of you aren’t aware of our new, user-friendly online system for booking appointments in clinics across Manitoba: medinav.ca.

Our provincial government has opened the Concordia Hospital extended hours primary care clinic, which is open evenings, weekends, and holidays. By utilizing new initiatives such as MediNav and extended-hours clinics, we can all do our part to reduce ER wait times by using the services most appropriate to our medical needs. Our government acknowledges that when it comes to health care there’s much accomplished, more to do. Let’s work together and use these new initiatives so that all Manitobans can receive convenient and reliable health care.

We are currently in spring legislative session until June. Please contact our team if you need any support using MediNav. We’re here to help you and your family: 431-478-1667.