Congratulations to last week’s University of Manitoba Thompson campus northern social worker graduates Dustin Anderson, Anne Bee, Amelia Clarke, Michelle Dorion, Djahl Kristjanson, Breanne Martin, Candita McDonald, Elma McKay, Tina McKay, Kerry-Ann Newman, Corey Spence and Lynelle Zahayko on their hard work, commitment and dedication to helping others. They are a source of pride to many, and an inspiration to others. By empowering themselves with knowledge, they will empower others. And by applying that knowledge, they will make the world a better place.
Also last week, Thompson was host to the 43rd-annual Northern Juried Art Show which saw many incredibly talented artists from across the north showcase their amazing creations for the public. The event was a huge success, thanks to chairpersons Carol Taylor and Jan Hall, committee members Leigh Hall, Suzanne Soble and Veronica Buda, and volunteers including Larry Hall, Wayne Hall, Anne Snihor, Teresa Burrows and Jeff Fountain, among others. Jan Hall also donated a beautiful handmade quilt for a raffle that helped raise $1,600 for the organization. Congratulations to the winners, the artists, the attendees and all those who helped make it a successful show again this year.
Separately, I proposed a private member’s resolution at the legislature this week to recognize the importance of the mining industry to Manitobans, and to commend our provincial government’s work to promote increased mineral exploration and development. Mining is a key part of our economy, providing valuable materials for the manufacturing, agriculture and electronics sectors and significant spinoff benefits for other sectors. About $1.4 billion worth of minerals is produced in Manitoba every year. Our government is establishing a mineral development protocol to promote exploration and development, and to ensure Indigenous communities benefit while their treaty rights are protected. Although opposition NDP members prevented my resolution from being voted on, I will continue to work with our government to ensure Manitoba’s business climate is attractive to investors for northern mineral exploration and development.
