I want to thank Brenda Davidson and Natalie Lagace of the Society for Manitobans with Disabilities for inviting me to “Bring Your MLA to Work Day” to meet with Kristopher Blake as he performed his duties at River View Restaurant in Thompson last week. He enjoys working there, and he explained how grateful he is to Shane and Li Cripps for hiring him over a year ago. Initially, they made a few small adjustments to accommodate his wheelchair at the checkout counter, and soon discovered he was capable of increasing responsibilities. Kristopher is an ambassador for breaking down barriers, and his high-profile position at the restaurant encourages other employers to consider the valuable contributions that persons with disabilities can bring to businesses.
I was pleased to welcome trappers and fur buyers to the Thompson Fur Tables hosted by the Manitoba Trappers Association last week. Thanks to MTA president Rob Andrushuk and all the Manitoba Sustainable Development staff and volunteers who contributed to making this another successful year for trappers. The fur table event started in the late 1970s to bring fur buyers and trappers together, and it’s the only one of its kind still operating in Canada. The event has grown into an annual social event for trappers and their families. I would like to congratulate elder Phillip Bighetty of Brochet for his award of the Manitoba Trappers Life Membership in recognition of his many years supporting the organization. I also want to congratulate Russ Chartier of Easterville for winning the Oswald Hudson Award for most valuable furs traded at the event the previous year.
It was also my pleasure to meet and discuss northern issues with members of the Sikh Society of Thompson last week. I want to thank them for their incredible hospitality at their cultural and religious ceremony in Thompson this week, followed by a delicious traditional meal.
I wish to extend condolences to the family of elder Sarah Harper of Bunibonibee First Nation who passed away at Oxford House this past week. I am happy to have met her at her community birthday celebration this past summer, celebrating her 111 years. She was a respected matriarch of a large extended family, and she will be missed.
Merry Christmas everyone, and may all days hold the glow and warmth of this holiday season throughout the upcoming new year.
