RCMP continued their enforcement on Steinbach’s Main Street, handing out large fines and in two cases, roadside prohibitions.

Both prohibitions took place on May 2, at 10:19 p.m. and 11:13 p.m. respectively.

The first was to a 20-year-old male from Menisino who was given the penalty for excessive noise.

The second was handed to a 34-year-old male from Steinbach at the corner of Main Street and Reimer Avenue for proceeding through a red light.

The recent federal election was one that was filled with surprises. But what was not unexpected was the sharp political divide that exists in Canada with the two main national parties, the Liberal Party and the Conservative Party, essentially splitting the popular vote. That division also was exhibited somewhat between voters in eastern Canada and voters in western Canada. It also was shown between voters living in urban areas and those in rural areas.

With another minority government in Ottawa, it would be easy, and perhaps likely, to assume another federal election isn’t that far away. And while that may be true, it doesn’t mean there isn’t important work that needs to happen before then.

At the top of that list is dealing with the tariff war that has been launched on Canada and much of the world by the Trump administration in the United States. The scattershot of tariffs, some of which were enacted without any justification or rationale, are already resulting in job losses. This is clearly a top priority for the federal government, as demonstrated by the visit this week to the White House by the prime minister, and a cause that all political parties can be united on. In addition, while Canada has always been a union that has factions that desired separation as a goal, for most of our history those have been most intensely felt in Quebec.

However, increasingly, talk of separation from Canada has been heard more clearly from Alberta with a new process (centered on citizen signatures) raising the real concern of a separation referendum in that province. The new prime minister must also spend time trying to heal the divide that is felt in Western Canada from decisions that have been made in Ottawa. This is also a cause that all political parties, while perhaps differing in approach, should be united in.

The 2025 federal election will be known as historic. The results are in, and we will have to be satisfied with a minority government. Some people will be angry, disappointed or live in denial; others will be happy, relieved, hopeful and optimistic. Others will sing “que sera sera, whatever will be will be,” not putting any strain on their personal life

Some politicians become experts in creating culture wars that have very little to do with governance. Only sober rational thinking can help us to navigate this life without being torn back and forth. Taking a break from social media, from all kinds of gossip groups, including religious gossip, would likely help to build a stable society. Our personal well-being is more important than participating in idle gossip.

It is interesting to observe the political situation. Less than a half a year ago the polls showed the Conservatives 25 points ahead of Liberals and people were jubilant and predicted a Conservative sweep across the nation. What really happened? A fourth term for the Liberal government. How quickly can things change when urgency demands it. The threat from the south did wake Canadians up to realize we need a steady hand in leadership to bring us through the crisis. The Conservatives must have squandered political capitol along the way. Despite the party having increased its share of the vote they still lost the election. When can we expect the backstabbing to start? The extreme right wingers must find a way to release that stocked up anger. Here are a few thoughts on what could have contributed to the loss of the election.

1. Canadians did not want a mini-Trump as a leader for this nation. Some of the one liner slogans which were repeatedly used sounded too much like MAGA Trumpism. Some of the slogans were plain offensive and repulsive.