“Secrecy, being an instrument of conspiracy, ought never to be the system of a regular government.” - Jeremy Bentham.

That quote is as relevant today as it was when Jeremy Bentham said it.

Born in 1748, Bentham was an English philosopher, economist, jurist and social reformer. He’s often described as the founder of modern utilitarianism and during his life championed prison reform, animal welfare, decriminalization of same-sex relationships, the abolition of slavery, equal rights for women, divorce rights, universal suffrage, freedom of expression and the separation of church and state.

His ideas may have been on the fringe during his lifetime, (he died at 84 in 1832), and they still seem to be hard to grasp for many in society.

Each year, on Nov. 11, we reflect on the sacrifice that many Canadians have made for us. In Canada we enjoy many freedoms and peace because of the work these men and women do. This month, we bring our communities together, and say thank you to those who have fought, and are fighting for us every day.

I will have the privilege of attending the Remembrance Day Ceremony in Niverville and laying a wreath on behalf of the province. In St Adolphe and Springfield, my representatives will also lay wreaths to honour the sacrifice made by our veterans.

Getting to interact and hear the stories of veterans is humbling. These veterans left their families and friends to go and fight for our country. It is truly a sacrifice like no other. For that, I say thank you. As Manitobans, it is our job to show support for our veterans. Something as simple as wearing a poppy this week shows how much we appreciate the grand sacrifice these heroes have made.

Remembrance Day reminds us of the importance of education and learning from the past. We are blessed that here in Canada, we have the freedom to fight with our words, and do not have to fear a war on our land. Not many countries can say that. The past paves the way to the present. It is for us to share the important lessons we have learned to the next generation to maintain the peace and freedom we have today.

Melinda Warren is the new mayor of the RM of Springfield after receiving 2,370 votes, 341 more than her nearest competitor. She is also the incumbent councillor for Ward 4.

Coming in second was Margaret Marion-Akins (2,029), followed by Daniel Page (514) and Edwin Giesbrecht (512).

Warren said her community work helped her win.

“I’m very community oriented, I do a lot in the community, and I think that helps a lot. You need to be active in the community,” she said.

Seine River School Division saw all incumbents elected to office along with many new trustees.

In Ward 1 of Seine River School Division, which had four candidates running for three seats, incumbent Ward 2 trustee Vicky Kiansky won with 1,414 votes, followed by candidate Steve Proskurnik (1,066) and incumbent trustee Warren Reavely (988).

Neil Reavely did not earn a seat with 891 votes.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to work with the new board, bringing together different experiences and perspectives, ” Kiansky said. “That’s what makes a great board, so I believe we will listen, ask questions and stay focused on what matters most, which is keeping kids at the centre.”

By the time you read this column, I will no longer be a city councillor. It feels a little surreal to be writing this, particularly since council has been a huge part of my life.

I’ve served in Steinbach City Council for a total of 20 years. First elected in 2006, I was subsequently re-elected in 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022. That’s a lot of elections, and a long time to serve in any position.

In that first election, I was only 30 years old. I wasn’t well-known in Steinbach at the time, and I knew that having an unusual last name wouldn’t help me at the ballot box. So, I did everything I could to raise my political profile.

I sent regular news releases to The Carillon and Steinbachonline. I bought newspaper and radio ads, put up election signs all over the city, and, most importantly, conducted an extensive door knocking campaign. By election day, I had personally knocked on over 4,000 doors.

Back in September, we read in the New York Times that Prime Minister Mark Carney made the bizarre proclamation that he had been preparing for the “extreme tail risk” of potential military action ordered by President Donald Trump against Canada. It was a shocking claim, and it was not the first time Canadians had to read statements from the prime minister about Canada, in foreign newspapers. Unfortunately, it would not be the last.

One interview with Prime Minister Carney produced multiple articles, leaving Canadians looking abroad for answers about their own government. In fact, Canadians had to subscribe to American media in order to read Canada’s news; a rather conspicuous irony considering the Liberal rhetoric regarding the Team Canada and Elbows Up approach to project Canadian unity and sovereignty.

More recently, attention has turned to the “associate membership” announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen following Mr. Carney’s characterization of the relationship with the EU as a “unique alliance.”

A few weeks ago, Conservatives asked several pertinent questions in this column about the proposed arrangement and what it would mean for Canada. Would EU associate membership open Canada’s borders or impose new migration obligations? Would Prime Minister Carney be committing Canada to EU rules on labour mobility, spending and border policy? Would Canadian taxpayers be funding EU bureaucracy while small businesses contend with more costly regulations?