COLUMN: Report from the Legislature – NDP failing to live up to election promises

It’s been a busy month in the constituency.

Throughout August, I have enjoyed getting to connect with constituents as I have attended the many summer festivals.

I was pleased to attend Frog Follies in St. Pierre Jolys, Sprague Fest, and Carrick Days.

The Hanover Ag Fair celebrated its 79th year. I enjoyed serving and connecting with folks in Grunthal at the pancake breakfast. I also attended the opening ceremonies and, of course, took part in the parade—the biggest crowd I’ve ever seen at that event.

This past weekend, I took part in the Kleefeld Honey Festival parade and the Sundown Gymkhana—so many talented riders. Lovely to see so many families out enjoying community events together.

I’ve also been busy working on issues important to our southeast community.

We’ve seen movement on the issue of community wells, with the Piney well being turned back on. I am hoping the government will recognize the unique situation in Woodridge and that, soon, a reasonable compromise can be reached and the well turned back on.

After listening to the concerns of constituents, I was pleased to be able to secure a commitment from the government to get the Birch Point boat launch repaired, with a promise of proper maintenance moving forward.

It is also with great relief that we saw the province-wide State of Emergency in relation to forest fires lifted last week. Glad so many folks can return home. Thank you, again, to the many brave firefighters and all the volunteers who helped the community through this difficult time. It is nice to get back to normal but I urge constituents to be extra careful with any fire related activities.

As the warmth of August begins to give way to the cool crisp feel of autumn, my thoughts are, of course, turning to the harvest and the fall legislative session.

I want to wish all our farmers a safe and successful harvest. A friendly reminder to folks to be alert and mindful of large farm equipment on the highway.

As Premier Wab Kinew continues to focus on federal and U.S. politics—and the rest of the NDP cabinet remain missing in action this summer—Progressive Conservatives are busily preparing to hold the government accountable.

The NDP Government has failed to fulfill their election promises to improve healthcare. Manitobans continue to experience unacceptable wait times in ERs and for surgeries. Desperately needed supports for mental health—particularly youth mental health—are simply not there.

Likewise, the Premier’s claim that 2025 would be the year Manitobans saw “big steps on homelessness.” The NDP Government is filling rural Manitoba Housing units with criminals awaiting trial, rather than providing desperately needed homes for the thousands of vulnerable Manitobans awaiting placement.

All of this is happening as the cost-of-living remains at a level that is unaffordable for many families.

We will continue to put forward common sense legislation to make life safer and more affordable for Manitobans, fix healthcare and housing, push back on government overreach, and stand up for our farmers.

Only Manitoba’s PCs are standing up for southeast families and values. As Your MLA, I’m standing for you.

As always, you can reach out with issues or concerns at konrad.narth@leg.gov.mb.ca or by phone at (204) 434-6736.