The Manitoba legislative assembly returned to session on March 1 and I was excited to start my new role as the Opposition critic for consumer protection and government services. I look forward to this new responsibility and I am proud to represent our community in the legislative assembly.

During the holiday break, I brunched with two of my most favourite people. We ended up at Modern Electric Lunch on Main Street, yummily worth the drive especially if you are looking for vegan options. During the course of our meal the question ‘what is your word of the year?’ was asked. What was the intention we would each set, or the theme we would define, for the blank page which was a brand-new year?

Happy new year everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season with families and friends.

As we gather this holiday season, let us remember those that are struggling, to keep them in our prayers, volunteer our time, and make donations to charitable organizations as we are able. Inflation is at a record 40-year high; the price of groceries, and fuel for transportation and home heating keep getting more expensive. Rising interest rates are deeply impacting families with home mortgages, credit cards, and other loan payments. The unfortunate fact is the hard-earned dollars of Canadians are buying less and less, with more and more going to service our debts.