Celebrations of all stripes

Kirkfield Park

Around this time each year, families and communities come together to celebrate the academic achievements of their loved ones, and this year was no exception. However, I think we can all sense global anxiety, especially our newly graduating youth. The world is changing faster than we can keep up with the news cycle, and our grads are taking their first steps out into the adult world, perhaps with as much cautiousness as excitement. To the 2026 grads reading this: we are with you. The world around us may be changing, but our commitment to building a Manitoba where you feel safe and secure; where you are seen and valued; that is affordable; and where dreams of a good home and a good job can become a reality? That will never change.

I was recently honoured with a grand tour of Westwood Collegiate, where I was humbled by the passion shown by the staff, and the promise I saw in the students. I’d like to give a huge shout out to the 2026 recipient of the Activism in the Arts Scholarship, Isabel McGregor. Isabel is a fabulous example of the spirit of excellence championed at Westwood Collegiate, in all disciplines, but especially in the arts. This is a well earned accomplishment, and I know you will make a great leader in your community. The achievements of Westwood students are equally a testament to the work and dedication of their teachers. To all teachers, I hope you enjoy a well-deserved break this summer!

This graduation season, I attended a very special ceremony at the Women’s Correctional Centre in Headingley. There, I got to celebrate with a group of women who, through great courage and determination, have overcome significant challenges and earned their adult-education high school diplomas while incarcerated. These women are an example of how no matter our life path or circumstances, we all have the opportunity to build a brighter future for ourselves and our community through education. As a former correctional officer and juvenile counsellor, I understand well the importance of education in a restorative justice system, and the benefits and opportunities it can provide to offenders as they seek a path toward rehabilitation and reintegration into society. I also understand the safety concerns surrounding the release of individuals from correction centres back into our communities. When folks spoke up about the release of individuals into the Unicity area, we listened, and our government worked to cease using Unicity as a drop-off location for correctional centres in Headingley.

To all our grads who are taking the brave steps into a new chapter of your lives, whatever that may look like, you are not alone. Lean on your communities, keep your friends close, and know that your government is here to support you. Since the start of summer, you may have seen me and my team out knocking on doors. We love the opportunity to hear directly from you about the issues that matter most to Kirkfield Park, and we hope to see you out there this summer!

If we missed you at the doorstep and you want to get in touch, please feel free to reach out with your thoughts, concerns, or questions about provincial services by phone at 204-831-6689 or by email at Logan.Oxenham@yourmanitoba.ca