COLUMN: Report from the Legislature – NDP creates challenges for families

As we reflect on Thanksgiving and everything we are grateful for this year, I’m reminded of the importance of community and working together. With Halloween approaching and the excitement of fall dinner theatre celebrations, there’s much to look forward to.

While we enjoy these traditions, I also want to acknowledge the challenges facing many families. A significant concern I continue to hear about this school year is access to affordable childcare. Reliable daycare and before-and-after school programs are essential for some young families.

Unfortunately, the government’s decision to cancel bids to build nine new schools with daycares has delayed the expansion of $10 childcare across southern Manitoba. These schools would have brought over 700 new spaces to communities, making a difference especially for families in Ste. Anne, Neepawa, and Brandon. I am thankful for the Niverville high school, which has provided over 70 daycare spaces for families since opening in 2019, and I will continue to push for the reinstatement of the cancelled school projects.

Healthcare, as always, is another pressing issue, with wait times for hip and knee surgeries now reaching up to 38 weeks. I was surprised to learn recently that wait times to see an ER doctor have also grown by 25 percent while it can take up to 14 weeks to get an appointment for an MRI in our area. I believe healthcare is a nonpartisan issue and I will keep advocating for meaningful solutions to improve services and access to timely care.

On a positive note, I had the pleasure of bringing greetings at the recent grand opening of the new municipal office in the RM of Ritchot. It was a wonderful event that showcased the growth and progress we’re seeing locally. This kind of development is so important for our constituency and I’m proud to support it.

I’m also excited to see the curtain rise on Oakbank United Church’s annual dinner theatre, “Don’t Dilly Dally On The Deck”. This wonderful event is now in its 31st year and sold out in just three days! Having attended almost every year, I’m especially grateful to have secured my ticket again for this season.

Putting on a dinner theatre is a true community effort, with volunteers handling everything from acting and singing to cooking and stage decorations. It’s the incredible spirit of events like these that makes our constituency and rural Manitoba so special. Bravo!

As we get ready for the treats of Halloween, I encourage everyone to enjoy the festivities with your family and friends, and to continue supporting local events and initiatives that bring us together. Thank you for your continued support, and I wish you all a safe and happy autumn season.

I welcome your questions, comments and concerns by email at Ron@RonSchuler.com or by mail at Box 150, Oak Bank, MB R0E 1J0.