COLUMN: Report from the Legislature – A busy last month of summer, fire Fontaine

It’s been a busy last month of summer as I’ve traveled around the riding attending events and meeting with constituents.

I had the privilege to explore the new Indigenous History Building at the Sprague Museum. I found the exhibit on local Indigenous “Group of Seven” artist Eddy Cobiness—with whom I have some family connections—particularly interesting.

I enjoyed the chance to meet with folks as I served pancakes at Grunthal Fun Day, and watching the beautiful horses and talented riders at the Sundown Gymkhana.

I once again had the opportunity to visit one of the largest dairy operations in our province for their annual “Fun on the Farm” day, where Moonshadow Holstein together with the Verhoog and Grenier family do a great job showcasing their operation and what is involved with running a large scale dairy operation.

I was also pleased to be a part of Providence University College’s 100th anniversary events, and the 65th anniversary of Grunthal’s Menno Home.

Other stops on my summer constituency tour this past month has included Le St. Malo Street Bash, Marchand Logging Days and the Kleefeld Honey Festival. It was great to see so many families out enjoying the many fun events our southeast communities have to offer.

I also had the privilege of having lunch with former Premier Gary Filmon and his wife, former Lieutenant Governor for Manitoba, Janice Filmon. Mr. Filmon is a giant in the world of Manitoba PC politics and it was fascinating to talk to him. Likewise, his wife, who not only helped shape and guide her husband’s career, but who, in her own way as an appointed representative of the Monarch, successfully and gracefully guided Manitoba as Lieutenant Governor. The Filmon’s are a great example of class and competence in political leadership—a far cry from today’s radical and classless NDP Government.

Few things better display how times have sadly changed than the disgusting statement by NDP Minister of Families Nahanni Fontaine, posted in response to the murder of U.S. Conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, and the failure of the Premier to properly censure her for them.

Nahanni Fontaine is no stranger to controversial comments but her loathing response to this tragedy is simply beyond what is acceptable behaviour for a senior cabinet minister.

The inhumanity of her words aside—and the irony of a minister responsible for families to affirm the destruction of a family by the murder of a husband and father—her completely unnecessary and inflammatory comments completely undermine the efforts of her own government. Charlie Kirk was a friend of U.S. President Trump and the last thing Manitobans or Canadians need right now is more of Mr. Trump’s ire directed at our country and province.

Say what you will about Charlie Kirk (and you can say a lot); love him or hate him, whether you agree with him or not is not the issue.

The issue is not politics, or any of the perceived “phobics”, “ists”, or “isms” that irrationally drive vitriolic people like Nahanni Fontaine. The issue is a human being was murdered. A man was murdered for having this courage of his convictions to enter the public discourse. A wife is now a widow. Two children have lost their father. A family has been shattered. To try to justify or affirm this senseless death based on that individual’s politics is nothing short of reprehensible.

(Had it been a left-wing personality, I’d be writing the exact same thing.)

Nahanni Fontaine has shown Manitobans who she really is time and time again. Undisciplined, vitriolic; an activist politician with no compassion or use for anyone who disagrees with her. She is, in short, the very kind of radical Charlie Kirk warned America’s young people about, and an embarrassment to Manitobans of all political stripes.

Even Wab Kinew called Fontaine’s comments “terrible”. On this rare occasion, I agree entirely with the Premier. Now, he must put his money where his mouth is; put NDP internal politics aside and fire her.

I look forward to going back to the legislature on Oct. 1 to start the fall session. There have been many examples of working together with the community to have success on issues that are important to all of us in the Southeast but still many more that need effective representation and I look forward to showcasing them in the weeks to come.

As usual, don’t hesitate to reach out and contact me anytime by either dropping into my office at 146 Main St. Grunthal or contacting info@konradnarth.ca.