As we welcome the warmth and energy of summer, it’s the perfect time to celebrate the remarkable landmarks that make our communities unique. One of the most breathtaking monuments in our region stands proudly in Cooks Creek, the Church of the Immaculate Conception. Known for its striking architecture and spiritual significance, it remains a cherished symbol of faith, perseverance, and community spirit.

Construction of the church began in 1930, led largely by dedicated volunteers and parishioners. After 22 years of hard work, it officially opened its doors in 1952. Today, it is recognized as one of the largest Ukrainian Catholic churches in Western Canada, and arguably one of the most impressive in all of Manitoba.

Built in the Ukrainian Baroque style, the church reflects architectural traditions found throughout Eastern Europe. With its nine domes and intricate handcrafted detailing, the building is often affectionately referred to as a “prairie cathedral”. Much of the construction was done by hand, and its very foundation tells a story of faith, craftsmanship, and community sacrifice.

At the heart of the church’s creation was Father Philip Ruh, a priest who designed the church and played a central role in its vision and construction. Born into a modest family in what is now northern France (then part of the German Empire), Father Ruh began his religious training in the Netherlands in 1898. He later studied theology in Germany for an additional six years before being assigned to Canada on a mission to serve Ukrainian Catholic immigrants.

The vast majority of Manitobans would have been unaware that for past quarter of a century, in an office high above the iconic Portage and Main intersection, was a United States diplomatic office. While many are familiar with the term ambassador and understand that countries position these diplomats in each others’ nations, they are less familiar with the position of consul. Consuls and the consulate offices that they operate are another level of diplomatic connection that both build relationships and help to assist and facilitate business and trade across borders.

This week it was announced that the United States consulate office in Winnipeg would be closing after 25 years. While this may seem like just another in what is becoming a long line of challenges we are facing with the United States, it is more than just symbolic. The office and the various U.S. consuls have been beneficial on not only sharing information and understanding across our shared border, but in assisting in issues that are important to both our nations.

Over my time in elected office, I have had many opportunities to interact with the Winnipeg U.S. consulate office. Some have been simply ceremonial, such as marking times of celebration, like U.S. Independence Day, or of tragedies, like the terrorist attacks of 9/11. But often, they were to work on challenges that we share or to seek cooperation.

One example was, during my time as minister of justice, working together with then U.S. Consul Bryan Koontz on initiatives related to human trafficking that were impacting Canada and the United States. This work extended to cooperation with the Joy Smith Foundation which helped share expertise and understanding.

A 39-year-old Ontario man was taken to hospital with what police describe as severe but not life-threatening injuries after being stabbed on Sunday.

RCMP said the stabbing occurred outside a business on 2nd Ave. West at 11:30 p.m.

At the scene police learned the male suspect had fled the scene.

He was later located walking down a street in Emerson and was arrested without incident.

“Whereas Canada is founded on principles that recognize the supremacy of God and the rule of law.”

As we see in the opening line of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the founders of our country felt it was appropriate to recognize the supremacy of God.

It wasn’t just our original founders who felt this way. The Charter was only added to our Constitution in 1982, which means those who drafted this addition to the Constitution less than 50 years ago still thought it appropriate to mention God in it.

Ironically, the federal Liberals, the party that likes to take credit for the Charter, recently issued new guidelines for military chaplains that essentially removes God from public events, including from prayers.