As the summer winds down, I’m reflecting on the opportunity I’ve had to connect with our community over the past few months. While the legislature has been on a break from session, our community has been busy with something for everyone to enjoy. From local markets to cultural festivals, it has been a wonderful reminder of how fortunate we are to call Winnipeg home.

I’m thrilled that the Wolseley constituency is home to two farmer’s markets that run throughout the summer and early fall. Rain or shine, both the West Broadway and Wolseley Farmers Markets draw in hundreds of folks every week. Community members can find a wide range of local goods for sale, including fresh produce, baked goods, crafts, and more. Skillful local makers sell their jewelry, candles, pottery, and wearable art while live music adds ambiance to the experience.

For those who haven’t had a chance to check them out yet, the West Broadway Farmers Market runs every Wednesday until Oct. 8, and the Wolseley Farmers Market operates on Tuesdays and Thursdays until Oct. 21. Both are perfect spots to pick up some produce, support local makers, and enjoy some time outside in our beautiful community.

This summer also marked the milestone of the 50th Winnipeg Folk Fest. I was thrilled to be a part of the celebration and to see so many constituents while we enjoyed the lazy afternoons listening to music and snacked on kettle corn and lemonade. As Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, I was excited to rename a portion of Highway 59 as Folk Fest Volunteer Way in honour of the thousands of volunteers who make the magic happen every year and for the past 50 years. Our government also announced more than $1 million in critical park upgrades to Birds Hill Provincial Park that will benefit festival goers and other users of the park.

On Sunday, Aug. 24, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg North, Kevin Lamoureux, City Coun. ivian Santos and I will be having a town hall regarding the five topics below. However, you can share or ask any concerns or questions on any issue.

The topics will include the following:

1) Trump and tariffs — As you can probably imagine, politicians at every level, all over Canada have been receiving many emails and phone calls with concerns and questions from their constituents about what is happening in the U.S. and how it can and is affecting Canada. We want to provide a platform to hear what people here in the north end think and to discuss in person ways that Canada can practice solidarity.

2) Health care — Health care continues to be the biggest provincial issue here in Manitoba. Whether it be long waits at the hospitals, inability to access home care, or the ability to afford prescription medications, everyone including nurses, doctors and other frontline healthcare workers have expressed that these challenges have not been improving. There needs to be tangible accountability in how federal health care dollars are being used here in the province.

Local markets can be wonderful places for finding crafts, fresh fruits and vegetables, and all kinds of goods that are difficult or impossible to find in stores, but their hours are normally limited. For people who are busy during the day with work, school, or other responsibilities, the Elmwood Night Market is a good choice.

The Chalmers Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation’s website notes, “The Elmwood Night Market is a free, family-friendly event held in the heart of Elmwood.” This year’s market, the third annual event of its kind, will take place from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 22 at 180 Poplar Ave., in the field between the Chalmers Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation (CNRC) and Lord Selkirk School.

The CNRC and JC’s Tacos and More are co-sponsors of the event, with other partners including Energize Zumba, Prairie Solar Cafe, and Assiniboine Credit Union. Barring last-minute changes, the approximately 45 vendors scheduled to attend will offer baked goods, crafts, dog treats and coats, books, and more. While the intent is to promote local Elmwood goods and services, vendors from across the city are encouraged to participate.

Although many people will attend the market for what they can buy, the event has a larger goal. According to Daniel Bagang of the Chalmers Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation, “The purpose of this market is to provide a low-cost recreational activity for the people of the Elmwood area.” Something new this year is a spicy wing challenge with proceeds designated to go to charity.

Whyte Ridge C.C. to commemorate its new dog park

Whyte Ridge

Whyte Ridge Community Centre (170 Fleetwood Rd.) will be holding an event to celebrate the opening of a new, enclosed dog park on Saturday, July 19, which will take place on the grounds near the centre where the park is located. T

he new space — near the soccer fields off Cloverfield Road — will serve as a safe space for community members to bring their dogs to exercise.

As I write this column, Canada’s birthday is about to be celebrated by hundreds of thousands — maybe millions — of Canadians who live in this magnificent country.

Some may not see it that way, though. Our summers are beautiful but short; our winters are long and cold. We have problems — political, economic, and inequality issues leave much to be desired. But we live in a democracy which, for the most part, respects individual rights and freedoms, and attempts to resolve issues through dialogue — not violence.

It is the recognition that Canada is special that has triggered a sense of patriotism the likes of which haven’t been seen since the last war. As suggested by many, we have U.S. President Donald Trump to thank for that. It is with that sense of national pride, Canadians have declared we will never be United States’ 51st state.

Unlike our neighbours to the south, who are being governed by what is looking more and more like an autocracy, rounding up and imprisoning or deporting “illegal” immigrants, Canada welcomes immigrants and look for ways to accommodate those who want or have to leave a war torn country, like Ukraine and more recently Gaza.