Manitoba in 2030: A future for all Manitobans

By: Kieran Smith Posted: 4:00 AM CDT Saturday, Apr. 16, 2016

Manitoba is a province with overwhelming natural beauty, from its clear lakes and rivers to the tranquillity of the boreal forest. It embraces multiculturalism with more than 100 languages spoken every day. Manitoba has an economy that is growing and competitive in the global marketplace. But what is our future?

Read this article for free:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

To continue reading, please subscribe:

*Billed as $4.00 plus GST every four weeks. After 24 weeks, price increases to the regular rate of $19.00 plus GST every four weeks. Offer available to new and qualified returning subscribers only. Cancel any time.

*Billed as $19 plus GST every four weeks. Cancel any time.

Read unlimited articles for free today:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 16/04/2016 (3456 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

I enjoy going on canoe trips during the summer and being able to paddle a lake that is calm and clear with wildlife all around. It’s what defines me as a Manitoban. More needs to be done to protect our forests and lakes. In 15 years, I would still like to be able to paddle those lakes and drink the water without fear of contamination or hearing the sounds of logging or mining operations in the distance. I want to be able to share with others what I have come to learn about Manitoba’s natural wonders.

Today, Lake Winnipeg is in a state of environmental crisis with an epidemic of zebra mussels, algae and poor fishing practices contributing to the problem. I would like to see a lake everyone can enjoy without the fear of getting sick; one where future generations of Manitobans can enjoy spending a day on the beach, just as many of us do today.

My Manitoba of the future will ensure there is more inclusion and education in French. This is our second language, and it’s a pillar our province was built on.

By 2030, it is my hope our economy continues to grow in all sectors. I think everyone that needs a job should have the opportunity to access one. Post-secondary education should be made affordable for young adults to transition from public school into the workplace. Universities need to be made affordable. All Manitobans need to help our young people succeed at the start of their adult lives by providing bursaries that do not have to be repaid.

I also see Manitoba as a greater centre for innovation, and hope to see support from the government to help startup tech companies that will even further stimulate growth and spur further investment in Manitoba. I also believe it will be important to help people in remote communities access jobs locally. As a someone born in Flin Flon who is Métis, I truly understand the need to stimulate the economy in northern communities.

As a young Manitoban, I see a great future ahead for this province.

Kieran Smith is a Grade 10 student at Mile Macdonell Collegiate

About the competition

Students from 24 Manitoba high schools were asked to envision Manitoba in the year 2030, as part of a Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce essay competition.

The following were the winning entries chosen by chamber senior management and the Free Press.

The three students “won” a seat at the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce debate April 14. Their essays were distributed to the Manitoba political party leaders, and they were to be guests on the chamber’s weekly radio show on 680 CJOB to discuss their ideas.

The participating schools are part of the chamber’s BOLD program, which encourages students to take on community leadership roles.