March 20th was Journée internationale de la Francophonie—or International Francophonie Day—which celebrates the French language and Manitoba’s Francophone culture. Our Dawson Trail constituency has a proud Francophone history, which we can see in names like Sainte-Anne, Lorette, La Coulée, Taché, and more. Supporting our Francophone communities to help keep the language and culture alive is very important, so I am glad to see that there is a day dedicated to doing just that.
Speaking of community, I am excited to say that “Coffee with Bob” events are starting up again! Our first one will be taking place in the beginning of April. I am looking forward to chatting with constituents, hearing your concerns, and just being out and about in the community.
On a more political note, Budget 2025 was recently announced, and frankly, it is underwhelming. With the onset of U.S. and Chinese tariffs on Canada, and rising unemployment, Manitobans were hoping for some certainty and relief from this budget. Instead, we see the opposite, with the NDP set to rake in nearly $1 billion more in taxes from Manitoba families and businesses in 2025 than last year. That includes $82 million more in income taxes and $182 million more in education property taxes. If you live in the Seine River School Division (e.g., Lorette, Ste. Anne), your provincial property taxes will be hiking by 14.4%; and if you live in the Sunrise School Division (e.g., Anola, Hazelridge), you’ll be seeing a 16.2% tax hike. These double-digit increases also speak to the NDP’s poor funding of education.
In terms of road safety, there was absolutely no mention in the budget of funding allocated to improve the intersection of PTH 12 and PR 210, despite the Deputy Minister showing concern for this issue. This is one of many examples of the lack of support for rural Manitoba in this year’s budget. I am incredibly disappointed to see how little the NDP government values rural communities, our affordability needs, or our safety concerns. As your MLA, I will continue to stand up for our rural constituency of Dawson Trail.
After over a year of vocal community advocacy, I am pleased to highlight the announcement that the NDP are finally lifting their unnecessary pause over the construction of a new high school in Ste. Anne. The population of Ste. Anne has been steadily increasing for years, and they’ve greatly needed a new school to be able to accommodate the growth and provide their students with the best environment for learning. Our previous PC government had announced this school to be completed by 2027 as part of 23 new schools across Manitoba; but, shortly after taking office, the NDP government unceremoniously cancelled the Ste. Anne school project and eight others around the 2023 winter break.
I want to thank the residents of Ste. Anne and surrounding areas, and all those who signed my petition, for coming together to help make this happen. Our continued advocacy on this matter made the NDP government hear Dawson Trail and recognize the importance of the concern. This is a great example of how your voice can make a difference. I will proudly continue to advocate for your in the Legislature to ensure that your voices and concerns are being heard.
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact my constituency office.
