AI, the abbreviation for Artificial Intelligence, is omnipresent in our lives. We encounter it frequently in our everyday life and in the media we frequently see red flag warnings about the dangers of AI.

It has replaced human receptionists at many businesses. AI manages our online searches, tracks weather patterns, monitors traffic conditions in our navigation apps, translates text into other languages in almost real time; in short, AI is everywhere.

And now, AI has entered the realm of sports.

Exhibit A - If you’re a baseball fan, you’ve seen the square strike zone on your TV screen. With the help of 16 cameras, Major League Baseball (MLB) has instituted a system called ABS, where balls and strikes are called based on a player’s height that has been pre-programmed into the system.

Wednesday was the third anniversary of the horrific attack in Israel that killed at least 1,200 Israelis. The Oct.7 assault was led by the terrorist organization Hamas, and it resulted in not only the deliberate targeting and killing of hundreds of civilians, hundreds more were taken captive and held for months, and in some cases years. Those that were fortunate enough to survive the captivity have told of the horrendous conditions they were forced to endure.

It is important to remember that the attack of Oct. 7, 2023, was targeted at innocent civilians. The purpose was to instill fear in the Israeli population. In homes, at the Nova music festival, in area Kibbutz’s and on highways, innocent people were killed and captured.

Three years later it is important to remember this attack. For Israelis, it was the equivalent of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. On Wednesday evening, I joined Manitobans from the Jewish community along with others from many different faiths and traditions in a walk of remembrance. Remembering is important to honour those who were killed and to also show support for the Jewish community.

And that support is needed in Canada as well, as acts of antisemitism rise sharply. Hateful acts that specifically target the Jewish community are not only on the rise in Canada but around the world. Here at home, Statistics Canada recently reported data that indicated that while the Jewish community only accounts for one percent of the population, a Canadian of Jewish heritage is 22 times more likely to be the victim of a hate crime than any other Canadian.

I just thought of writing to you concerning the massive economic turmoil which we are seeing in our country and worldwide.

2 Timothy 3:1-5 make it very clear and plain that we are entering the beginning of perilous times. This being so, it is easy to complain a lot and criticize our leaders.

St. Paul in 1 Timothy 2:1-4 exhorts Christians to use their lips and tongues to pray, intercede and give thanks for all people, especially for kings and for all that are in authority, that in return we may lead quiet and peaceful lives in all godliness and honesty.

If the Christian does not pray for the government and the state, who will?

A man RCMP say was intoxicated, with several outstanding warrants, fled police with his dog after crashing his car in the RM of Tache on Sept. 28.

At 6:03 a.m., St Pierre-Jolys RCMP received a report of a single-vehicle-collision near the intersection of Prefontaine Rd and Gendron Rd in the RM Tache.

Police arrived to find EMS and the fire department already treating the man, who was the lone occupant in the car. He was found unconscious in the passenger seat. It is unknown why the man was in the passenger seat and not the driver’s seat when he was found by first responders, according to police.

As EMS was working on the man, he woke up and fled the scene along with a dog when he saw police lights approaching.

Canada is one of the world’s largest oil producers globally and possesses some of the largest proven oil reserves on the planet. Diesel fuel should not cost this much in Canada.

Yet, Canadians are paying the highest price ever for diesel fuel under this Liberal government.

When Prime Minister Mark Carney was given a minority government mandate by Canadians on April 28, 2025, Manitoba diesel was averaging $1.38 per litre. By the beginning of October 2026, prices in Manitoba are averaging $2.48 per litre— about $1.10 more per litre from last year. That’s an increase of approximately 80 percent.

This isn’t a minor increase; it is a significant cost inflicted on hardworking Canadians that keep our economy moving.

When I was first elected to represent Dawson Trail, I understood that people would not always agree with me. That is democracy. What I did believe and still believe is that the people who sent me to the Manitoba Legislature should come before the political interests of any party.

Manitoba has, for much of its modern political history, functioned as essentially a two-party province. Governments change. The colours on the government benches change. But too often, the way politics is practised does not.

When you are part of a political party, there is tremendous pressure to see issues through a partisan lens. If the government proposes something, the opposition is expected to oppose it. If your own party proposes something, you are expected to support it.

But the people of Dawson Trail do not live their lives that way.

The Steinbach Arts Council invites you to the annual Corks & Canvas Wine Tasting fundraiser on Nov. 27, at Bentwood Hall. Doors open at 7 p.m..Enjoy an in-person event, with a sommelier-crafted tasting tour through Spain featuring six unique wines paired with a curated menu, alongside original local artwork and handcrafted items for purchase.Proceeds support essential community outreach, including free senior programming, therapeutic arts, and youth musician mentorship program. Tickets are $100 with a tax receiptable portion. Call 204-346-1077 or visit steinbacharts.ca to reserve your spot!

Special thanks to our sponsors: onPoint, Chez Koop, Country Meat & Deli, Craft Financial Group, Re/Max Keith Unger Team, Gislason Targownik Peters, and Jones & Company Wine Merchants.SAC brings Dry Cold Productions for the first time in Steinbach!The Steinbach Arts Council opens its 2026–2027 Concert Series with Once Upon a Dream, an intimate musical theatre concert produced by Winnipeg’s acclaimed Dry Cold Productions. The single-night performance takes place on Oct. 22 at 7:30 p.m. at the SRSS Theatre in Steinbach.

Led by Artistic Director Donna Fletcher, the concert features rising Canadian stars Alyssa Crockett and Julia Kroft. The duo first met during Dry Cold Productions’ Canadian premiere of The Prom and bonded over their shared passion for live theatre.Once Upon a Dream offers audiences a behind-the-scenes glimpse into life on stage through humor, personal stories, and standout vocal performances of beloved musical theatre songs.Tickets are $36 for adults and $18 for students, available online at SteinbachArts.ca/LIVE or by calling 204-346-1077.Help us raise funds for our programsSupport local arts during the SAC Program Fundraiser, running Sept. 28 to Oct. 30. All proceeds support SAC programs, helping keep community classes accessible and affordable for everyone.Fundraising Items Available:

Nature’s Farm Pasta BoxesNature’s Farm Granola BoxesNature’s Farm Gift Cards: $25 denominationsSobeys Gift Cards: $25, $50, $100, & $250 denominationsHow to Purchase:Stop by the SAC office (304 Second Street, Steinbach) Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. or call 204-346-1077.