COLUMN: Report from the Legislature – Safety concerns increase

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who responded to the survey that was sent out. Your feedback is extremely valuable and important, and I want to assure you all that your concerns have been heard.

One concern that was raised a number of times in the survey responses was the safety concerns regarding the intersection of Hwy. 12 and PR 210. These safety concerns continue to rise as more and more accidents resulting in serious injuries, and even fatalities, continue to occur at this intersection. According to information provided by the RCMP, there are currently 49 recorded occurrences linked to this intersection, dating back to 2020, including 17 vehicle collisions and 20 provincial offence complaints. The RCMP also stated that all occurrence files have purge dates, with less serious incidents being removed from their systems sooner, and that the 49 recorded occurrences only include accidents linked directly to the exact intersection. This means some historical occurrences at the intersection may no longer appear in the available records, and collisions that occurred a short distance down either highway may also not be included.

The safety of Manitobans is of the utmost importance, and that is why I have, and will continue to bring this concern forward to the minister until a firm timeline for the necessary safety measures has been provided.

On another note, it is deeply disappointing to see Bill 232, The Autism Strategy Act, become another partisan battleground. Introduced by independent Liberal MLA Cindy Lamoureux, the bill included supports for autistic children and adults. After public concerns about amendments narrowing its scope to children, the NDP government committed to restoring the original approach. The autistic people, families and advocates who spoke up deserve recognition for ensuring that adults would not be left behind. Their lives and futures should never become secondary to a contest over political credit.

There is room for scrutiny, disagreement, and accountability in the legislature. But when the PCs and NDP turn an issue this personal into another exchange of partisan accusations, we risk losing sight of whom this legislation is meant to serve. Autism does not follow party lines, and the need for support does not end at adulthood. How sad that an opportunity to work together can become an argument over who wins politically. Manitobans deserve representatives willing to acknowledge good work across party lines, correct mistakes, and keep the people affected at the center of every decision.

When party loyalty takes priority over people’s needs, partisan politics fails the very people it is supposed to serve. And that is why I made the decision to seek re-election as an independent MLA.

I became an MLA to serve the people of Dawson Trail, not to play partisan games. I have always represented the constituents of Dawson Trail to the best of my abilities, always ensuring that their concerns were being heard by the provincial government, and since becoming an independent MLA, I have been able to do that tenfold. Removing partisan restrictions has allowed me the freedom to focus solely on what is best for our communities, by building support wherever it exists to achieve results for constituents. I am here to represent and serve the people of Dawson Trail, and I will continue to do so.

For more updates and information, visit my website at boblagasse.com. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact my constituency office at ca.lagasse@outlook.com or 204-807-4663.