Sharing stories fundamental to understanding

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This article was published 23/02/2022 (464 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

February is I Love to Read month. This year Mulvey School invited me to tell students a story in my own words. Oral storytelling is a cornerstone of literacy and one of the primary ways we connect to each other as humans. Stories allow us to express our creativity, share our experiences, and work through problems. I am here to listen to your stories and am honoured each time a constituent shares theirs with me.  

One important set of stories is highlighted in February through celebrating Black History Month. In October 2021 I was pleased to stand with my colleague Jamie Moses by voting in favor of his bill, the Emancipation Day Act — the first bill introduced by a Black man and passed into legislation in Manitoba. This story has a good ending, but many of the experiences of Black Manitobans do not. I encourage you to explore Manitoba’s history of systemic racism and the effects of ongoing racism towards our BIPOC community members, neighbours and friends.  
Through social media I have been sharing the stories of small businesses opening and was pleased to welcome several new small businesses to the constituency this winter. We are surrounded by amazing and resilient small business owners who provide job opportunities and important services in every corner of our community.  

As I return to the Legislature in March, I will continue working to change our story in Manitoba to be more equitable, affordable, and inclusive. So far this year, I’ve been preparing to do so by gathering signatures for a petition to recognize Eating Disorder Awareness Week in Manitoba, which is currently one of the last provinces to do so. As a formal petition, those who want to sign it need do so in-person. Please reach out to my office if you would like to add your name before session begins.

I’ve also been closely monitoring the sudden changes to public health protections in Manitoba. Even though many Wolseley residents appreciate the economic impact and want to return to normal life, many others continue to struggle with COVID-19 or care for those who do. Sadly, Premier Stefanson has shown disregard for health care workers and folks with additional health care challenges.

If you want to sign my Eating Disorder Awareness Week petition, or share any questions or concerns you have about provincial governance, please email me at lisa.naylor@yourmanitoba.ca or call my office at 204-792-2773.

Lisa Naylor
Wolseley constituency report

Lisa Naylor is the NDP MLA for Wolseley.

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