I am often asked, "What is the mood of our riding? What are people's concerns?"
This week I have again been visiting in Thompson, Split Lake, Nelson House and The Pas where I attended the MKO Assembly.
There were a number of common concerns. People expressed concern over the probability of a second, more serious round of the flu. There was ongoing concern about the impact on Northern and aboriginal communities and the degree to which we are prepared. This reflects the concern of the First Nations leaders from Northern Manitoba who presented before the Standing Committee in the House of Commons last week.
Another concern that comes up a lot is the fact that there is a shortage of housing. People in both urban and remote areas have expressed concern over the fact that people are having difficulty finding affordable housing. It is a concern at this time of year for the many students that are taking their post secondary education at University College of the North.
There is ongoing concern about the economy. Some areas of the riding have been less impacted than others but there is concern over the continuing threat from the slowdown of the world economy.
In some communities, transportation is a major concern. In others there is still the need to bring in proper sewer and water.
As we head into the fall, I will be continuing to visit around the riding until we head back to Parliament. I will be taking the many concerns that people have raised with me and raising them in the House of Commons.
