I hope that this will find you and your loved ones in good health. I’d like to take a moment and express our sincere gratitude for your support and encouragement over the last year. I couldn't be more grateful for this opportunity to serve as your elected official.
To everyone who cast a vote for me, thank you for your trust and faith. I remain committed to serving my community and city to the best of my ability.
Thank you for your caring and understanding as so many of us navigate the uncharted waters of COVID. I want to say to those who may have uncharacteristically expressed frustration or anger towards others at times that you're forgiven. It's stressful and frightening for many of us.
To frontline workers, grocery clerks, delivery drivers, everyone, thank you for what you're doing to help. I can't imagine the difficulty Provincial Public Health Officials face every day. I often think of the famous speech from the movie "Any Given Sunday." The speech said, "In either the game of life or football, the margin for error is so small. I mean one half step too late or too early, and you don't quite make it. One-half second too slow or too fast, and you don't quite catch it." I imagine this is what health officials consider daily. Are we doing enough or not enough? It must be challenging. Each day I'm thankful for Dr. Roussin's work and all members of his team.
2020 has been a challenging year, one that will leave lasting impacts. Our city faces challenges, division, and as leaders, we have a responsibility to address the critical issues.
We have to find ways to increase accountability and efficiencies within the Public Service. We need to work as partners with business, not for profits, and the arts communities to grow our local economy and build a solid foundation for our young people. I am optimistic about Winnipeg's future, the truth is, I'm excited. Our city has great potential.
Those are some of the reasons I agreed to put my name on a ballot. When I did, I made commitments to you. I committed to ask tough questions and hold people accountable. I remain committed to that and to making Winnipeg Better.
From my family to yours, we wish all your hopes and desires come true this Holiday Season. May the season's magic make all your dreams real.
I will leave you with a quote from Deepika Padukone, "Realize that you are not alone, that we are in this together and most importantly (because of Dr. Roussin's team & the vaccines) there is hope."
Please have a safe and Happy Holidays.
