Snapshot of Summer

and barrier-free learning environments possible, so they can get the most out of their educational experiences and reach their full potential,” said Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister Wayne Ewasko following the funding announcement.

Gaslighting Governance: Manitobans Deserve Better

Dear Editor:

Last year, I was troubled by the lack of interest shown by our current MB PC government in responding to the concerns of their constituents. The local MLA even went as far as disabling comments on their social media, further isolating themselves from the public. However, to my surprise, they suddenly shifted their focus to mental health awareness and started supporting various initiatives. Sadly, this turned out to be nothing more than a smoke screen for their lack of genuine engagement.

Over the past year, there has been a conspicuous pattern in the government’s behaviour. While they superficially allocate funds to communities and take credit for initiatives not of their own making, the gaslighting tactics they employ are deeply concerning. It appears that their current platform is designed to dissuade communication and exploit the emotions of people to avoid negative publicity.

Regrettably, I experienced firsthand the indifference of the government when they decided to attempt to push through Bill 64. This decision had a profound impact on my life and the life of my colleagues, causing significant distress. Despite reaching out multiple times for answers, my pleas fell on deaf ears. It’s disheartening to see the same government expressing concern for mental health while making decisions that negatively affect people’s well-being without any regard for their concerns.

Take, for instance, the funding announcement for the Lorette Multiplex—a long-overdue project that the municipality had been fundraising for over two decades. It only gained traction when the government needed a distraction before an election, using it to prop up an ineffective and unresponsive MLA for political gain. And yet, this project is sadly still under funded.

Similarly, after Bill 64, the MB PC government attempted to repair the damage by pouring money into schools, but this is merely a cover-up for their poor decision making and planning. All the while, new bills impacting education are being designed and wordsmithed to take the place of their predecessors. None of these tactics are in the best interest of teaching and student learning but rather for positioning power.

Throughout this past year, the MB PC government has shown a complete disregard for my mental health and how their decisions have affected me personally and emotionally. I have spent countless hours grappling with the implications of their policies on society, education, my career and family, only to be met with silence when trying to discuss my concerns. The irony of using mental health as a platform while being completely unresponsive to constituents’ mental health needs is both disrespectful and irresponsible.

This government’s misuse of power and manipulation of public sentiment shows a profound lack of integrity. They are more concerned with positioning themselves and their allies in positions of power than actually addressing the needs of their constituents. It is disheartening to see such callousness from those entrusted with leading our province.

The current MB PC government’s actions have demonstrated that they are not worthy of re-election. Their disregard for the well-being of constituents and their failure to address legitimate concerns raise serious doubts about their ability to govern responsibly. It is time for the people of this province to demand better leadership that genuinely cares about education, their mental health and overall welfare. Only then can we hope for a government that prioritizes the needs of the people it serves.

Susan Ciastko, Lorette West

It’s been great to be back in the riding the past month and have the opportunity to take part in the many parades, festivals, and cultural events that Provencher residents enjoy during the summer months.

My first event of the summer was the 50th anniversary of Chateau Malouin in St. Malo. My congrats to their team for so many years of providing seniors with affordable supportive housing. The next day, I was in La Broquerie for their annual pancake breakfast, then hurried to Blumenort for their parade.

On June 29th our Manitoba Caucus had the opportunity to sit down with the executive for the Association of Manitoba Municipalities and later that day with Winnipeg Mayor Scot Gillingham.

It was great to really kick off summer on July 1st at the annual Canada Day celebrations in Vita. It was a great turn out and great to see so many families enjoying the sunshine, and have that opportunity to connect with constituents.

Since June, I’ve also been able to attend parades and other events in Niverville, Lorette, Montcalm, Mitchell, Ste. Agathe, St. Labre, St. Joseph, and Dugald.

Last week, I had the privilege to travel to Churchill, Manitoba to do outreach for our party and hold meetings with our Manitoba Caucus. I had the opportunity to meet with the Board Chair and also the CEO of the Arctic Gateway Group, owners of the Churchill Port and railway line. We also met with the Chamber of Commerce and Parks Canada and toured several interesting facilities related to exporting and environmental projects. I was also able to meet with the mayor and other local officials. Our message of affordability and commonsense governance is working its way through the riding of Churchill Keewatinook Aski. While in Churchill, I was approached by several individuals, who identified themselves as residents of Provencher and expressed their concern about this current government and also appreciation for our Leader Pierre Poilievre and our conservative vision.

I’ve also had the opportunity to join my party’s leader (and I believe our next Prime Minister), the Hon. Pierre Poilievre at a couple of events this summer. Back in June, I was excited to join Pierre in Winkler in an effort to help the newest member of our Conservative caucus, Brandon Leslie, get elected. Earlier this week, I was in Kenora with Pierre as he held a rally to share our Conservative vision for Canada.

Everywhere I go, whether it’s around the riding, up in Churchill, Kenora, and even in Winnipeg, I hear the same two things. Canadians can’t afford the cost of living and we need a change in government. Provencher families, even those with good jobs are struggling to make ends meet. Justin Trudeau is out of touch and Canadians are out of money. That’s why I’m pleased to have this summer to spread our Conservative message of hope.

It is such an honour to serve Provencher as your MP. I am so encouraged by all the messages of support I receive from my constituents. It is great to know you have my back and you better believe I’ve got yours.

I look forward to more busy days ahead. More events, more conversations with constituents, hearing the issues that matter to you. Then, I look forward to taking those issues, the views and values of Provencher back to our Parliament in the fall, as your commonsense voice in Ottawa.