The fall session of the Manitoba Legislature came to a close this past week.

The failures of the NDP Government were on full display this fall, as little was accomplished for Manitobans.

Rather than take concrete action on such pressing matters as affordability, crime, healthcare, and Manitoba’s weakening economy, this failed government chose instead to focus on symbolic gestures and bullying rhetoric as they sought to mislead Manitobans.

Manitobans are struggling to afford the basic essentials of life. Violent crime continues to surge in our province. ER wait times can exceed 20 hours to see a doctor, and long time NDP supporters the Manitoba Nurses Union give this government a D minus on their performance as hospitals are grey listed and patients die in ER waiting rooms. After a mere two years of NDP rule, Manitoba has the weakest economy in Canada and we are hemorrhaging jobs and investment as businesses pack up and leave town. All as the out-of-touch NDP smile and pat themselves on the back for a job well done.

At Christmas, families come together and celebrate the season. Students return from university, young families reunite with grandparents, and extended family travel long distances to be around a familiar table. Of course, food is almost always a part of the celebration as families join at festive tables with traditional dishes, all creating new memories. Stories are shared, and burdens are shared. All problems aren’t solved but there is a sense that together, challenges can be faced.

I believe that Canada and the U.S. share a similar bond. We are two distinct nations, different in character and perspective, yet united by common values, a shared history, and one of the world’s longest and most trusted borders. For decades, both countries have benefited from deep cooperation, mutual respect, and strong trade relationships

Regrettably, over the past year, relations have been strained.

Last week, I had the opportunity to attend the 31st Parliamentary Intelligence Security Forum in Washington, DC, with colleagues from other Canadian parties and parliamentarians from around the world. Since its inception in 2014, the forum has brought more than 3,000 parliamentarians from 120 countries to engage in dialogue and strategic global briefings. These included cyber warfare, digital currencies, AI, quantum computing, illicit finance/trade, adversarial foreign investments, supply chains, energy, critical minerals, human trafficking, migration, and other related topics. Engaging in dialogue mutually benefits nations.