Suppose you were searching for insight into some of life’s deepest challenges today. Where would you look?

Chances are you might be skeptical if I recommended an author who died more than 60 years ago, married someone only as a favour so she could stay inside the country, and spent most of his career as an ivory tower university professor.

And yet, C. S. Lewis continues to impact lives today. Through his Chronicles of Narnia series, Lewis retold the Christian story in such a way that it appeals to Christians and non-Christians alike. This children’s series is even more impressive when we consider that Lewis never had children of his own and often found it awkward being around them.

Lewis also wrote a great deal of non-fiction. Probably his most famous non-fiction work is Mere Christianity, a book which makes the case for universal moral absolutes and answers some of the trickiest questions about theology. Originally delivered as a series of radio talks in the 1940s, they were later made into a book and published in 1952.

On Aug. 11, Manitoba’s NDP government opened the province’s first taxpayer funded drug consumption site for the supervision of the use of illegal drugs. The opening followed almost three years of controversy and multiple proposed or considered locations. A previously selected location was ultimately abandoned because of protests that it was too close to a school and to a daycare. Hundreds of people came out to community organized forums to protest the location before it was eventually determined it would not be used for a supervised drug use site.

The proposed next location, on Henry Avenue in Winnipeg, drew the same types of concern from local residents and businesses. Community forums were held and residents asked the NDP government to reconsider the location which needed extensive renovations. It was the subject of around the clock security, months before it was actually open.

It might be easy to assume that the objections were simply from people who did not want the facility in their neighbourhood. To be sure, many local residents did object, concerned about the potential for increased crime and drug use and selling in the area. This is part of the reason that in other parts of the country many of these facilities have been closed. But also, among the concerned Manitobans were many who expressed the opinion that the way to deal with addiction isn’t to provide the mechanism to do drugs, but rather to increase the support for addictions recovery. One of those voices, Joseph Fourre, has lived experience with addiction and homelessness and founded Singing Red Bear Foundation, which provides support to families dealing with addiction.

Mr. Fourre said that on Tuesday, after the supervised drug consumption site was opened, that his heart was breaking. Mr. Fourre’s plea for a focus on addictions recovery brings up a significant concern.

I want to take this opportunity to discuss some much-needed safety enhancements throughout Dawson Trail.

The intersection of Highway 12 and Provincial Road 210 in Ste Anne is a major safety concern, as numerous accidents have occurred at this location over the years. Making improvements to this intersection has been a top priority for me during my time as an MLA. I have sent a number of letters to the Minister expressing the safety concerns with this intersection, and requesting that improvements be made to protect the safety of Manitobans. The provincial government officially made the decision to include upgrades to the Highway 12 and Provincial Road 210 intersection as part of their 2026 construction plans. It is unfortunate that it has taken this long to make safety improvements to the intersection as accidents continue to occur, but I am glad they are finally taking place, and I look forward to seeing the completion of this project.

There have also been a number of safety concerns about PR 206, particularly with regard to the intersections of PR 206 and PR 207, and PR 206 and the Trans-Canada Highway. Both of these intersections have been the location of numerous accidents. The intersection of PR 206 and Highway 1 is particularly concerning as it serves as the primary access point to the Centre of Canada, a well-known tourist destination that garners approximately 1,500 visitors daily during the summer months. This high-traffic area is expected to only increase in traffic volume as future developments to the tourist attraction and surrounding properties take place, making it imperative that safety enhancements are implemented to protect the well-being of residents and visitors. When discussing the intersection of PR 206 and PR 207, constituents have raised the concern that a hydro pole has created a significant blind spot that they believe has contributed to a number of the accidents occurring at this location. I have sent letters to the Minister regarding both intersections, and I will continue to follow up on these matters until proper safety improvements have been implemented.

Another major safety concern regarding PR 206 and PR 207 is the lack of safety measures for pedestrians. These roadways run through the towns of Landmark and Lorette, respectively, and are commonly used by children walking to and from school. Many concerns have been raised about the speed limits on these roads, particularly in areas where there are no sidewalks and children are walking along the highway. The RM of Taché is currently seeking to reduce the speed limit of PR 206 from 60 km/h to 50 km/h, and PR 207 from 70 km/h to 50 km/h, while maintaining the existing school zones for both highways. There are plans in place for a 12.1 km surface reconstruction project for PR 206, spanning from the south junction of PR 210 to Highway 1. The resurfacing project will focus on traffic volume patterns and safety improvements at the intersection of PR 206 and Highway 1. I have contacted the Minister asking that consideration be given to incorporating additional safety measures for pedestrians as well.

“Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story, those he redeemed from the hand of the foe.” -Psalm 107:2

Do you know a good storyteller? Steinbach city councillor Jac Siemens is such a person. To make a point he often draws from civic or personal history. He enlivens the stories he tells, and we are the better for it. Stories sometimes get a reputation as something just for kids, but the truth is they are good for all of us.

Christianity is, at its heart, a story-shaped faith. This is also true for each significant group and culture in the world, including Mennonites. What kind of people would we be if not for our stories?

The Bible often gets mistaken as a history book or rule book, but from Genesis to Revelation it is the genre of narrative that is the most common form used. God reveals Himself not primarily through abstract ideas but through the stories of creation, covenant, redemption, and restoration. Jesus often taught through short stories (parables), inviting listeners to discover truth through narrative and what we see around us.