It was a pleasure to participate in the grand entry and opening ceremony welcoming participants from all over the north to the 2017 Manitoba First Nations Firefighters Competition in Thompson last week. Thanks to the Keewatin Tribal Council, the City of Thompson, Thompson Fire and Emergency Services, sponsors, teams, officials, volunteers and visitors for making this event memorable. Having been an Inco Mine Rescue team member in the past, I understand the commitment, dedication and time invested by all members to prepare for unknown situations that could occur at any time. I appreciate the firefighters coming to Thompson as role models for Indigenous youth and showcasing their skills while promoting volunteerism, health, fitness and good sportsmanship.
Good sportsmanship was also on display at the Special Olympics Manitoba 2017 Provincial Summer Games in Brandon last month. I want to congratulate the Thompson Stars five-pin bowling medallists, Shawn Hay (silver in male 99 average and under category), Peter Dumas (silver in male 120-129 category) and Tasha Timmons (gold in female 130 and over category). Thanks to all the members and supporters of the Thompson Stars team for participating and competing and for making northerners proud.
This week, our government announced that we will provide $460,000 through the Municipal Road Improvement Program for the Selkirk Drive Road Renewal Phase 2 project and for various other road rehabilitation projects in the Thompson area. Our Progressive Conservative government understands that municipalities and their residents depend on such investments in these kinds of important infrastructure projects, because they ensure that goods and services flow efficiently and help to grow our economy.
The Municipal Road Improvement Program was developed in partnership with the Association of Manitoba Municipalities and provides cost-shared funding for road projects approved under the program. This investment in Thompson is part of $12 million announced for municipal road improvement projects across Manitoba.
