Legislative session is scheduled to end on June 1. During this Session our PC Caucus have made continued efforts to persuade the Wab Kinew government to take more effective steps towards affordability relief for Manitobans. The weak affordability measures introduced in this year’s NDP Budget will do very little to help Manitobans who are struggling to make ends meet. Grocery staples such as bread, eggs, meats and vegetables are already exempt from PST, so removing the PST from snack foods and a select list of non-essential items won’t help put food on the table for Manitoba families. It might save some people a couple of dollars on the occasional purchase but does nothing to help a monthly household budget. The premier’s much-touted plan to take the PST off prepared meals and snacks claims it would save the average family of four around a $100 per year. Less than $10 per month.

As the Official Opposition, under the leadership of Obby Khan, the PC’s have proposed a plan to raise the basic personal income tax exemption, which is the amount you can earn before having to pay provincial income tax, to $30,000. This initiative would put up to $1,500 per year back into Manitoban’s pockets. In a household with two income earners, it could mean $3,000 in annual tax savings, or an extra $250 on your paycheque every month. We have been calling on the NDP government to adopt our plan, but they have been unwilling to consider adding the proven affordability measure that would truly benefit Manitobans. It was our previous PC government that raised the basic personal exemption from $10,145 to $15,000. Saving Manitobans up to $524 annually.

Manitobans are expressing concerns about the growing difficulty of getting ahead. Why do rising expenses seem to exceed the opportunities available to families who are doing their best to succeed? The root of this issue lies in economic growth. When an economy grows slowly, opportunity slows down with it. This leads businesses to postpone investment, limiting job creation and placing additional burdens on families in their daily lives. When the economy thrives, opportunities become more accessible across our communities. New businesses emerge, job availability increases, and families gain the stability and confidence necessary for future planning. We know that raising the basic personal exemption to $30,000 would help boost Manitoba’s stagnant economy.

Manitoba is equipped with the talent, resources, an industrious workforce required for success, and communities that want to succeed. What we need is strong leadership and a government that prioritizes practical outcomes and fosters long-term opportunities. This includes supporting local businesses, promoting investment, and ensuring that Manitoba remains a thriving environment for families and entrepreneurs alike. What we don’t need is continuing education property tax hikes that affect all Manitobans including family homeowners, small businesses, student renters and seniors on fixed incomes.

The Steinbach Arts Council’s favorite free outdoor tradition is back! The 2026 K.R. Barkman Concerts in the Park series brings performing arts to the gazebo every week through June 17.

Concerts begin at 6:30 pm at KR Barkman Park (Main Street, southeast of the fire hall). Grab your lawn chairs or a blanket and enjoy live performances at the park!

2026 concert schedule

May 20 – Southern Sound, 4given Quartet, New Covenant Quartet

Growing up in Canada, extortion was not a crime I often heard about. Today, however, it is appearing frequently in Canadian news and police reports. Extortion is defined as “the act of obtaining money, property, or services through coercion, violence, or threats.” Usually, the criminal offense employs intimidation tactics forcing the individual(s) to do something against their will.

According to Surrey Police in British Columbia, there has been a staggering 2,400 percent increase in extortion during the first three months of 2026, and a 300 percent increase in shots fired year over year.

That’s why this past weekend, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre was in Surrey addressing growing public concerns about crime in Canada. Across B.C., violent crime has risen by nearly 50 percent, sexual assaults have increased 95 percent, and extortion has skyrocketed 481 percent in the last decade. However, the growing challenge isn’t unique to Surrey. Since 2015, Canada has experienced a 55 percent increase in violent crime and a 330 percent surge in extortion.

In his statement, Mr. Poilievre referred to the Liberal “catch-and-release” legislation. He stated that “Liberal bill C-75 weakened bail by telling police and judges to release accused criminals at the earliest opportunity and under the least restrictive conditions. Bill C-5 reduced sentences for serious crimes including drug trafficking, extortion with a firearm, and robbery with a firearm.”

“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” Romans 12:15

Welcome to a two-part series with two powerful stories. Last week we looked at how there is more pain around us and we should be ready to ‘mourn with those who mourn.’ This week we look at how there is more love for us to rejoice in than we realize. Such knowledge should soften our hearts and attitudes as we go about our day. I received the following story from fellow chaplain Gary Blaine in his book I am Here for You:

“The story is told of the little girl who was busy wrapping a large box, about the size of a liquor box. The eight year old was using gold wrapping paper. She was almost finished when her father came home from work. He looked at her project and exclaimed, “What are you doing? Don’t you realize how expensive gold wrapping paper is? How can you be so wasteful?” He stormed off to his study.

The next morning at breakfast the father was drinking his coffee and reading the newspaper. He was a little embarrassed about his profusion of anger the night before when his daughter approached him. She presented him with the box wrapped in gold paper. “Here, Daddy, this is a gift for you.”