Search Results

Originally published in the Winnipeg Sun March 17, 2024 On March 7th the Government of Manitoba issued the following News Release: "MANITOBA GOVERNMENT INTRODUCES BILL THAT WOULD ENSURE GENDER-NEUTRAL LANGUAGE IS USED IN LEGISLATION" The Manitoba government is introducing amendments to the Statutes and Regulations Act and the Interpretation Act that would ensure gender-neutral language is used in Manitoba’s legislation, Justice Minister Matt Wiebe announced today. “Removing gendered language is an important step towards ensuring equality and inclusivity for women and the 2SLGBTQ+ community are reflected in legislation,” said Wiebe. “This is a first step in ensuring that Manitoba’s laws and the services Manitobans receive reflect their identities and are inclusive of women, trans and non-binary people.” I have some serious concerns with these amendments not only because in service of being inclusive of a very small group of people, it excludes the vast majority of people. By altering our laws to reflect the subjective and controversial labels of a progressive movement, we will undoubtedly open the doors to even more radical and extreme left-wing ideology in the future. Permanently encoding the woke narrative into our laws demonstrates that our government is capitulating to the far-left agenda. It won’t be long before the next demand bubbles up. Examples of even more radical agendas that will likely be next up on the docket include Critical Race Theory being injected into school curriculum and DEI hiring and admission mandates that actually amplify discrimination rather than alleviate it. And the ultimate distortion of gender identity – allowing biological males to compete in women’s sports. We’ve seen it all play out in the U.S. – words and language start out as the thin edge of the wedge and are then followed by far more invasive and radical agendas. And what are some of words that have so offended those on the left that they require entirely new translations? Well you’re going to have to put away the term “mother” and start referring to her as your “birthing parent.” And oops…he/she/her/him is offside too – they are now collectively referred to as “they”. “Breastfeeding” is a faux pas now too – the acceptable term is now “chestfeeding”. Even my spellcheck hasn’t caught up to that one yet. And whatever you do don’t open your speech with “ladies and gentlemen” if you want to escape unscathed. I’m not making this stuff up. It’s real – some of it is even laid out like an instruction manual on Government of Canada websites. But you know what else is real, no matter how much the government tries to deny it? Gender, gender is real folks – it’s been that way since our creation. And I doubt my mother would have appreciated me referring to her as my “birthing parent” either. This has gone too far. What I fail to understand conceptually is why, when we affirm the existence of a non-binary individual (which is fine), must we then preclude the mutual existence of gendered individuals?! In other words, why does the inclusion of one require the exclusion of all others? It makes no sense. The vast majority of mothers identify as, and want to be identified as mother. The very definition of inclusivity is to accommodate ALL people – not to cancel some to include others. Where has our common sense gone? Here's an example to illustrate my point – last year the principal of an elementary school in a bedroom community just outside of Winnipeg announced to all parents that the school was introducing “Caregiver’s Day” as an observable day to be celebrated by students – but astonishingly Mother’s Day and Father’s Day would also be cancelled insofar as being observed by the school as a day of celebration. The vast majority of parents in the community were mortified and expressed their outrage in emails to the principal. Within 3 days the principal reversed the decision to cancel Mother’s and Father’s Day. Cancelling Mother and Father’s Day to accommodate Caregiver’s Day suggests there is a more deliberate social agenda at play, or at least that people in leadership positions seek to accommodate a very small hypothetical group of people (parents who object to being called “mother” or “father”) at the expense of the vast majority of people who identify with those terms. And should you dare to object or question the radical left agenda you may find yourself being assailed with any number of derogatory labels, followed shortly by being targeted by a liberal media attack piece. It’s standard operating procedure. And for a while we just watched it all unfold. But the silent majority isn’t staying silent anymore. Radical left-wing tactics are no longer effective. People are speaking up and rejecting these extreme methods. Tolerance doesn’t mean we should have our common sense assaulted and exclude all to accommodate a select few. Words matter, so when we attempt to include groups of people who haven’t always been included, let’s try to do so without excluding everyone else. I’m not ready to cancel Mom yet.

As published in the Winnipeg Sun Wab Kinew, Premier of Manitoba, issued a statement on March 11, 2024, calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The statement also opens with his admission that Hamas should be destroyed and that he has a great desire to be a good friend and ally to both the Manitoba Palestinian and Jewish communities. That sounds all warm and fuzzy but it’s an obvious attempt to politically pander to constituents especially given that neither Hamas nor the Israeli government will be taking direction from Mr. Kinew. But nonetheless it’s a nice soundbite – the problem is that it reveals a tremendous amount of ignorance and naivety on the part of our premier. His call for a ceasefire in Gaza demonstrates that he does not truly understand what is happening in the region. First of all, recent reports from the U.S National Security Agency state that a 6-week ceasefire deal has been on the table with one basic minimum requirement - that Hamas releases women, wounded and elderly hostages. But Hamas is refusing to do so, which is what is causing the impasse in ceasefire negotiations. The NSA even chided the media for its failure to report that point. Secondly, our premier needs to be reminded that a ceasefire was in place prior to October 7th and that it was Hamas that broke it after slaughtering hundreds of innocent Israelis. Hamas had a choice, made their choice, and now must deal with the consequences of that choice. So obviously, if a ceasefire is ever going to be possible, both sides need to agree on terms, one of which is the release of hostages. If Hamas truly desires a ceasefire, then all it needs to do is release women, wounded and elderly hostages. And if it desires an end to all fighting entirely, then it simply needs to lay down its arms. But again, that is not happening, which speaks to Hamas’ motives – they are clearly not interested in a cessation of violence. Why? Because it would not serve their mission – the annihilation of the Jewish state. And they do not appear to be interested in humanely distributing food and medicine to their affected population that they claim to represent and govern. Shooting at citizens from the roofs of aid trucks is not an act of good governance. It is what has necessitated the humanitarian airdrops by the U.S. and other aid organizations to try to get food and water to Gazans. Obviously, a ceasefire would help with the distribution of aid to Gazans, but according to individuals who are much closer to the conflict, the notion of a widespread famine is being grossly overstated for propaganda purposes – more food, water and medicine is coming into Gaza than prior to Oct. 7th, but Hamas has been hijacking truckloads and redirecting goods to local markets to raise funds for its war efforts. International aid and assistance is meaningless if the governing entity of the region does not wish for it to be received by its people. Many Gazans are indeed in need of food – but it’s not been for the lack of effort or means by the international community to supply it. Make no mistake – this is a war. Israel not only has a right to defend itself, but it is prosecuting a war it did not instigate in a manner that minimizes citizen casualties and increases its own risk. Civilian casualties are tragic and unfortunate. But remember, Hamas is known to hide amongst the population and its infrastructure, having built intricate tunnel networks connecting to hospitals, homes and even a United Nations agency (UNWRA), complete with weapons caches. And the media often neglects to mention that Hamas continues to fire rockets into Israel and that many protesters in the west and abroad continue to call for the eradication of Jews and Israel. One only has to look at the shocking demonstrations at several American universities to grasp the level of antisemitism that is rife in today’s society. Therefore, calling for a ceasefire may serve a political agenda, but it ultimately will not serve either Palestinians or Israelis well if it allows Hamas to regroup and maintain its brutal stranglehold on the region. Hamas can end this war tomorrow by releasing its hostages if it so chooses. But barring that outcome it must be soundly and thoroughly defeated. Talk of a pluralist dual state solution with Hamas still in existence is both naïve and reckless. Hamas will not stop attacking Israelis – it has dismissed any prospect of a peaceful co-existence with Israel and upholds an extremist military doctrine committed to destroying the Jewish state. And it clearly does not have the best interests of its domestic population in mind either. A ceasefire now will only facilitate greater atrocities and an endless cycle of war with Hamas. Mr. Kinew knows this but is more interested in being “everybody’s friend and ally” to suit his own political agenda.

Just six years ago, Winnipeggers decisively voted against opening Portage and Main to pedestrian traffic. Now, the debate resurfaces, driven by the substantial expenses proposed by the public service, demanding an immediate decision. During a news conference last Friday, Mayor Scott Gillingham advocated for reopening Portage and Main to pedestrians, directly contradicting a campaign promise made during the 2022 election. Revisiting the Portage and Main issue poses political risks. This divisive matter has historically split the city, with many remaining opposed. Proceeding could endanger elected officials' support base. But what if there was a politically prudent escape route on this issue? Friday's announcement was reportedly prompted by a newly released public service report detailing the traffic impact and costs of repairing the Portage and Main underground. The report estimates a construction-related traffic delay of four to five years and a cost exceeding $73 million to repair the underground infrastructure, including replacing the waterproof membrane and ensuring accessibility for all users. The absence of this report six years ago raises questions. In 2018, during my council candidacy, I approached the Portage and Main issue cautiously. Without concrete cost assessments, I refrained from taking a definitive stance, resonating with those who prioritize financial clarity before making significant decisions. It's striking that many current council members pursued a plebiscite on Portage and Main without comprehensive financial analyses or alternative proposals. Now, faced with substantial costs, a shift in their positions seems likely, perhaps under the guise of fiscal prudence. Councillor Brian Mayes expressed opposition, advocating for further deliberation and exploration of alternative options during a conversation we had after the official announcement. He cautioned against rushing the decision, emphasizing the need to consider alternatives to avoid further division. A motion will be tabled at the March 7th meeting of the Property and Planning Committee, proposing the reopening of Portage and Main by the summer of 2025, aligning with the launch of a new transit route network. Mayes plans to propose more time for a thorough review. Opening Portage and Main to pedestrians pales in comparison to the broader issues facing our city. If downtown residents and stakeholders desire it, so be it. The real concern lies in how major decisions are made at City Council. During my tenure, major decisions were often rushed, based on hastily released public service reports, limiting thorough review and consideration of alternatives. The cost of keeping Portage and Main closed may be high, but numerous unanswered questions remain regarding sealing off the underground, potential risks, and taxpayer reimbursement to major landowners. Efficient and cost-effective solutions, including crosswalk designs and potential bike lanes, require exploration. The delay in addressing these issues raises concerns about the city's reactive approach to infrastructure matters, exemplified by the Arlington Bridge's neglect. Winnipeg faces an infrastructure deficit, demanding proactive planning and action. Complacency and procrastination are not viable responses, as the costs of inaction burden future generations. City Council must prioritize decisions impacting the city's future and avoid last-minute rushes. Mayes' call for more discussion on the Portage and Main project is fair, as transparency and informed decision-making are essential to address systemic issues within Winnipeg City Hall.

A crisis of significant magnitude emerged in Winnipeg, centred around the steady flow of sewage into the Red River. Once revered for its natural beauty and vitality, the river now faced contamination from a continuous discharge of raw sewage, a situation that persisted for several months. This environmental calamity underscores the need for immediate attention, decisive measures, and utmost accountability from the city’s elected officials. A ruptured pipe at 3100 Abinojii Mikanah, along Bishop Grandin Boulevard, relentlessly spewed untreated sewage for an extended period of time into the Red River. Despite two attempts at repairs, the flow persisted, with the city estimating a staggering 230 million litres of sewage have contaminated the river between February 7th and its final repair. Such a colossal volume of pollutants not only poses immediate risks to public health but also inflicts long-term damage to the delicate ecosystem of the river. What is perhaps most alarming is the apparent lack of urgency and accountability from the governmental bodies tasked with safeguarding our environment. While the City of Winnipeg grappled with this crisis, provincial and federal authorities seem conspicuous by their absence. Emergency environmental actions were sorely needed, yet their response was been tepid at best. The question must be asked: why are the rules different when it comes to governmental bodies themselves? If this were a private citizen or a rural community, swift and severe penalties would undoubtedly be enforced. How many more pumps lurk on the brink of spilling raw sewage into our rivers? What looming dangers threaten our infrastructure, and why are they shrouded in secrecy? The recent closure of the Arlington Bridge due to a lack of foresight raises concerns: How many other bridges are on the edge of shutdown? Just as individuals must prioritize their spending, so too must our elected officials. Adding insult to injury, the response from City council thus far has been utterly underwhelming. Rather than addressing the root cause of the issue, we are met with feeble suggestions to simply “flush less” and ominous warnings of impending hikes in water and sewage bills. Worse still, the proposed diversion of funds from the profitable water and waste sector to cover unrelated expenses like garbage collection reeks of mismanagement and short-sightedness. In the business world, such misallocation of resources would be deemed unacceptable. Yet, here we are witnessing our city administration engage in precisely that. By neglecting vital infrastructure and maintenance in favour of pet projects and short-term fixes, they jeopardize not only the environment but also the long-term viability of essential services. It’s time for a reckoning. Elected officials must be held accountable for their decisions and actions. The abdication of responsibility behind bureaucratic smokescreens cannot be tolerated. Our city deserves leaders with the acumen to make informed decisions, to prioritize the needs of the community over political expediency. The apathy of the electorate must also be addressed. The dismal turnout at the last election speaks volumes about the disillusionment and disengagement plaguing our democratic process. If we desire change, we must actively participate in shaping it. Holding our representatives accountable starts at the ballot box. The longer we delay in confronting these kinds of crises head-on, the greater the cost, not only in monetary terms but in irreparable harm to our environment and future generations. Let us not squander this opportunity to demand better from those entrusted with our city’s stewardship. The Red River, and indeed all of Winnipeg, deserve nothing less. — Kevin Klein is a former Tory cabinet minister, a former city councillor and a former CEO and Publisher with Sun Media.

Chambers of Commerce members recently heard Dawn Desjarlais, chief economist of Deloitte Canada, share sobering news about our provincial economy's projected "subpar growth" in 2024. This is not a forecast we can afford to ignore. It is a clear call for decisive action, for bold initiatives that will propel our province forward even in the face of economic headwinds. We shouldn’t consider it bad news but rather a wake-up call. Manitoba has great potential and so much to be proud of, but we do a poor job promoting the benefits the province offers to industry, the minerals we have beneath us, and the quality of life we can offer. We need to start selling these benefits and opportunities within our province and around the world. Why don’t we invest more in attracting new businesses to Manitoba? It's a simple equation: more businesses mean more revenue for our province, which translates into improved essential services for all Manitobans and, yes, less taxes. Let’s start by promoting our clean electric power infrastructure, which uniquely positions us to lead the charge in the green economy. With our strategic location in North America and the potential to offer the only northern port serving global markets, the opportunities are boundless. On a recent trip to Toronto and Montreal, I saw billboards promoting Sustainable Saskatchewan. A province that doesn’t have the clean energy we provide and that is so desired in the new green economy. Take, for example, the recent approval of the Canadian Premium Sand project. This initiative exemplifies the kind of green economic development that Manitoba should strive to attract. By harnessing local resources and focusing on renewable energy solutions like solar glass manufacturing, we not only create jobs but also contribute to a more sustainable future. But we must not rest on our laurels. We must seize every opportunity to expand our green economy. Consider the potential of hydrogen production. With the rise of hydrogen-powered vehicles and the increasing demand for clean energy solutions, Manitoba stands poised to become a global leader in hydrogen production. I toured the new Selkirk wastewater treatment facility with Mayor Larry Johannson. A few months back. The Selkirk facility and partnership are excellent examples of innovation and generating revenues in the green economy. Selkirk’s new state-of-the-art facility will directly pipe water to its previous treatment plant, which will be sold to a Hydrogen Generation Company. They will use the treated wastewater to produce hydrogen and send the carbon back to the new treatment facility for operational needs. This is innovative, efficient, and effective, and it is the future. I can list a number of jurisdictions in Manitoba that desperately need new water treatment facilities, the biggest being Winnipeg. Imagine working with a hydrogen producer, selling land and the wastewater to the company that is then used to pay off the investment into its new wastewater facility. It can be done if elected officials work to make it happen. By leveraging our abundant resources and strategic location, we can position Manitoba as the Texas of hydrogen, fueling the vehicles of the future and driving economic growth in the process. Like the Toyota 2024 Mirai - With a range of up to 647 KM on a single tank of hydrogen, Mirai is ready to carry you into the future, while emitting only water. And let's not forget the transformative potential of initiatives like the Nee Sta Nan Utility Corridor. By integrating Western Canada's electrical grid and tapping into Manitoba's clean hydroelectricity, we can pave the way for a sustainable energy future while opening up new trade routes and economic opportunities for all Manitobans. But this vision requires bold leadership and decisive action. It requires us to prioritize sustainability and environmental stewardship in all aspects of governance. By embracing renewable energy sources, implementing eco-friendly policies, and incentivizing green initiatives, we can not only mitigate the impacts of climate change but also drive economic growth and job creation in our province. My fellow Manitobans, the time for action is now. Let us come together, united in our commitment to building a brighter, greener future for generations to come. Together, we can make Manitoba a beacon of sustainability and innovation, a model for the world to follow.

In challenging economic and social times like these, it can be hard to see a clear path forward and a light at the end of the tunnel. Canadians are facing an affordability crisis, rising violent crime, and a pending housing shortage, to just list a few. Yet, despite the challenges, I remain optimistic about Manitoba largely because Manitobans have the strength and resilience to manage their way through any issue. I have travelled to many countries, and one thing has always struck me - the people of Manitoba really are like no other. It is hard to put your finger on it, but there is something distinct about this land and its people. We have a diverse and unique culture known for being hardy but caring, hard-working but fun-loving and always an indomitable spirit. There is a good reason why it says “Friendly Manitoba” on our license plates. Our strength of character and plucky work ethic is why I am assured we can overcome these challenges. It’s who we are that can and will make a difference. We’re not the type to boast or brag, even if we have reason to. We’re good at what we do, take care of each other, and get the job done. We’re known for being humble, but perhaps we undersell ourselves sometimes. There’s nothing wrong with touting our achievements and promoting Manitoba to the world. Manitoba is perfectly positioned to compete on the global stage. Our homegrown talent is world-class, and we have a solid track record to run on. We are already demonstrating leadership in several sectors, including technology, aerospace, transportation, agriculture, and resource development. We are also blessed with an abundance of natural resources, including sources of green energy. Worldwide companies are not only recruiting our talent but are investing in resource development and new technologies in Manitoba. Many are choosing to locate their operations right here which generates employment and further economic spinoff.  Manitoba is attracting significant international attention and capital investment. The future is bright. We have good reason to be promoting our people and our province. Perhaps we should be even more vocal about what we can offer the world. During my cabinet post and time as a Winnipeg City Councillor, I witnessed just how innovative and accomplished Manitobans can be. I was fortunate enough to hear from so many grassroots Manitobans – each with a story to share about their challenges and successes. Their journeys and accomplishments were nothing short of inspiring. But success doesn’t come easy – it’s earned and involves many variables, including what role government should take. People I spoke to made it clear what they wanted and expected from their elected officials. They want representatives who understand working for a living and that the government best serves the people by removing obstacles rather than creating them. They want leadership with common sense carved from real-life experience and overcoming adversity but with the courage and conviction to make the tough decisions. Vision is one thing, but it needs to be grounded by a sense of reality and life experience. And most of all, they expect their elected officials to champion Manitoba and its people – to advocate tirelessly and create new opportunities by showcasing our talent and achievements to the world. Good governance fixes problems, but real leadership opens new doors for its people. Yes, we face many challenges in Manitoba, but we also have what it takes to address them and the skills, talent and resources to take this great province to the next level.

The tragic loss of Kyriakos Vogiatzakis, owner of the beloved local establishment the Cork and Flame, has sent shockwaves through our community. As I stepped into the familiar ambiance of the restaurant with a friend this past Friday, the weight of recent events bore down heavily. It was a stark reminder of the vulnerability we all face in the wake of escalating violence in our city. In a heartfelt conversation with Kyriakos's brother, Mike, the raw emotions of grief were evident. We reminisced about Kyriakos's generosity and commitment to both his staff and the wider community. His legacy, embodied in the warmth of the Cork and Flame, now stands at a crossroads, overshadowed by the tragic circumstances of his untimely death. The impact of this loss extends far beyond personal tragedy. The once vibrant hub of community engagement and support is now struggling with a significant drop in business. Fear looms large as patrons express apprehension about returning to a place tainted by violence. It's a sobering reminder that the repercussions of crime extend well beyond the immediate incident, permeating every corner of our social and economic landscape. The decline of Cork and Flame serves as a stark reminder of broader systemic issues plaguing our city. Despite the talk of revitalization and urban development espoused by our elected officials, tangible action remains elusive. The promise of investment in downtown infrastructure rings hollow in the face of escalating violence and eroding community trust. In the absence of meaningful measures to address rising crime rates, businesses are left to bear the brunt of the fallout. The reluctance of consumers to patronize establishments deemed unsafe threatens not only livelihoods but also the vibrancy of our neighbourhoods. It's a vicious cycle that perpetuates a downward spiral of economic stagnation and social unrest. The inertia of our political leadership in the face of mounting public safety concerns is both baffling and unacceptable. The recent City of Winnipeg budget conspicuously lacks any meaningful allocation toward addressing public safety and violent crime. Similarly, the failure of provincial authorities to fulfill promises of criminal justice reform underscores a broader pattern of neglect and indifference. As a community, we can no longer afford to remain passive in the face of escalating violence. The time for complacency and empty platitudes has long passed. It's incumbent upon our elected officials to prioritize the safety and well-being of all citizens, regardless of postal code or socioeconomic status. The ramifications of unchecked crime echo far beyond the confines of police tape and crime scene markers. They undermine the very foundation of our collective aspirations for a thriving, inclusive city. If we are to reclaim the soul of our community and safeguard its future, we must demand accountability and decisive action from those entrusted with the stewardship of our communities and province. In the memory of Kyriakos Vogiatzakis and countless others whose lives have been tragically cut short by senseless violence, let us rise above apathy and indifference. Let us demand communities where every individual feels safe, valued, and empowered to pursue their dreams. The time for change is now, and the responsibility lies with each and every one of us to ensure a brighter, more secure future for generations to come.

In recent times, it seems that society has grown increasingly complacent with violent crime. Has it become the new normal for us to simply shrug our shoulders when we hear about heinous acts committed by individuals out on bail? The deafening silence of elected officials in response to this rising tide of violence is cause for serious concern. It's high time we re-evaluate our priorities and put the victims of crimes first. It was just recently that violent crime struck the West Winnipeg community when Kyriakos Vogiatzakis, a beloved member of our business community and proprietor of The Cork and Flame restaurant, was brutally killed outside his own establishment on Portage Avenue. A 38-year-old man, who was already wanted on a warrant for breaching bail conditions, was charged with manslaughter and uttering threats in connection to this senseless act. Elected officials were quick to offer their thoughts, prayers, and expressions of displeasure. Yet, their words fell short of any meaningful commitment to address the growing concerns plaguing our city and province. No concrete action was promised, and no immediate funding was allocated to apprehend individuals with outstanding warrants. This is not an isolated incident. In August of last year, a 27-year-old man was sentenced to six years in federal prison for the unprovoked stabbing of an 18-year-old server at a northeast Winnipeg Olive Garden restaurant. Once again, elected officials expressed shock and offered well-wishes, but they failed to deliver any tangible actions or commitments to address the surge in violent crimes. Many people have become disenchanted with the news, dismissing it as too negative or untrustworthy. Instead, they turn to social media, where disinformation thrives, and divisive, slanderous comments prevail. Could this trend indicate that our society has come to accept the rise in violent crimes committed by repeat offenders? I hope not. But, I do believe a growing number of individuals have lost confidence in their elected officials and the systems in place to protect them. When I was Chair of the Winnipeg Police Board, I had a conversation with a senior citizen who shared a thought-provoking perspective: "You can't re-arrest your way out of crime." This statement underscores the importance of recognizing that people can make mistakes, and not all offenses warrant a criminal record. However, when an individual persists in committing crimes, we must adopt a different approach. The justice system is undeniably broken in its current state. It's time for a paradigm shift that prioritizes victims' well-being over offenders' rights. We must advocate for a justice system that strikes a balance between rehabilitation and accountability. Offering support and intervention to individuals at risk of reoffending is a step in the right direction, but we must also ensure that repeat offenders face the appropriate consequences. It is imperative that we hold our elected officials accountable for their promises and demand concrete actions to address the pressing issue of rising violent crime. We must invest in resources to apprehend individuals with outstanding warrants, improve our justice system's efficiency, and provide adequate support to victims and their families. We cannot afford to remain complacent in the face of violent crime. We must prioritize the victims and work towards a safer, more just society. It's time for our elected officials to break their silence and take meaningful action to protect our communities from the scourge of violent crime. Our collective future depends on it.

As published in the Winnipeg Sun Lately, you can’t watch or search the news without seeing controversies involving extreme left-wing ideologies on major university campuses across North America. Pro-Palestinian demonstrations, rallies and incidents have lifted the veil of clear-cut antisemitism that exists as part of a toxic core culture not only among students but faculty as well. Evidently, the social rot within North American universities is far more pervasive than we could have imagined, and it's threatening the moral fibre of our society. What’s driving this contrived toxicity and divisiveness?  Look no further than the façade of social justice that has been termed DEI – diversity, equity and inclusion. It’s the most recent manifestation of woke ideology thrust onto our society under the guise of words that sound very warm, fuzzy, and, you guessed it, “equitable”. But it’s all smoke and mirrors - in reality, DEI itself is actually the cause of, or at the very least a vehicle for, the division and toxic culture that we are witnessing on campuses and in corporate and institutional settings. The latest debacle at Johns Hopkins University is a classic case in point. DEI is the trojan horse that left-wing extremists trot out to cloak their contrived and divisive agenda. It wasn’t long ago that we watched the presidents of three prestigious universities in the U.S. testify in front of a Congressional House Committee. They were each asked if the calling for the genocide of Jews violated their institution’s rules of bullying and harassment.  Their appalling response…“it can be, depending on the context.” Within weeks, two of the three presidents had resigned or stepped down. If the highest leadership of some of the most reputable academic institutions in the world will not take action on blatant antisemitism, we as a society have been cast adrift into uncharted waters. It’s shameful and deeply concerning. Even our very own University of Manitoba was recently littered with posters that directed hate toward Jews and encouraged them to be targeted. These incidents are not one-off situations – they are indicative of a greater underlying decay of our social values. These radical ideologies have been allowed to be cultivated unchecked in our universities and now have tragically become institutionalized and normalized. Think about the implications of our institutions of higher learning not only tolerating hate but teaching it, too. Instead of focusing on the basics of learning and even the development of specialized skills, we are instead witnessing public dollars supporting professors who promote their personal agendas and the left-wing ideologies that have become so pervasive in universities in North America. Students attend with the intention of obtaining a functional degree but instead graduate fully indoctrinated with misguided and hateful ideologies.  Not exactly the standards of education that our society expected when it founded and funded these institutions. The Scarborough Charter, the 22-page document that the University of Manitoba is signatory to, calls for principles of anti-racism and inclusion to be respected and fostered. I think we can all agree that racism should have no part in our society or our academic institutions. But hiring or admitting purely based on race, gender or ethnicity is in and of itself a breach of the “inclusiveness” that DEI professes to uphold because it discards the criteria of merit at the exclusion of others. DEI outrightly rejects hiring or admitting on merit. Universities are, therefore, deliberately choosing to sacrifice a higher academic standard to meet a contrived human quota.  Sadly, this is a culture endemic to the institutions that will be developing our future leaders. Is this really the academic standard we want to set for our future? The institutionalization of radical ideology in higher education is wrong. Investing in human capital should be about developing leadership, innovation and skills that make Manitoba more productive and competitive on the global stage. Let’s get back to those basics.

Canada is experiencing an immigration crisis and we are left asking where has the common sense gone? Allowing 1.25 million people to enter the country in the middle of a housing crisis simply makes no sense. Yet the Liberal-NDP government, over a 12 month period ending Oct. 1, allowed Canada’s population to grow by 1.25 million people. That is the most rapid growth this country has seen since the 1950’s. It was almost entirely driven by a deliberate intake of immigrants consisting mostly of temporary residents and students. According to a recent report released by a National Bank economist, Canada’s staggering population growth is stretching its capacity to adequately accommodate new immigrants. A significant lag in new housing construction has not kept up with the massive influx in immigration. The system is breaking down. More alarmingly is that according to the Canadian Press, internal government documents from 2022 reveal that Canada’s rate of immigration could have very dire effects on the domestic housing market. The Canadian Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, recently stated in an interview that the volume of international students in Canada “is disconcerting.” And that “it's really a system that has gotten out of control.”. Obviously, the first control point that shatters with excessive immigration is housing but what will be next? Consider the budget deficits that are rampant in nearly every province in Canada. We are paying a high price to support such unlimited immigration and the financial impact is beginning to take its toll. Provincial budgets cannot bear this additional strain. Ironically this is a problem that the federal government can voluntarily control, yet it continues. Other countries have already adopted new laws and policies to stem out of control immigration rates. France for example now requires that citizens from non-European union countries working in France will have to reside in the country for 30 months before they are eligible for any welfare benefits. And foreigners who are not working must now wait 5 years before they are entitled to state benefits. These are sensible ideas for a G7 nation like France and so too should they be for Canada. Immigration has always been integral to the identity of Canada – our rich cultural heritage is the very foundation that built this great country. But we must be smart about it and uncontrolled immigration to the detriment of existing Canadians defies common sense. So how can we financially accommodate vast amounts of newcomers to Canada when we can barely afford to maintain services for our existing population? Most would agree that our healthcare system is overstretched and failing. Further pressure on an overwhelmed healthcare system could be nothing less than catastrophic. Common sense dictates that when newcomers immigrate to Canada we have to ensure they are employable and have access to adequate housing and health care. One way to address those issues is to focus on immigrants who are qualified to work in the healthcare or construction sectors, where we desperately need qualified workers. But under the current scenario this is not the case. Immigration straight into welfare is irresponsible and we simply cannot afford it. Our housing, social service and medical systems cannot bear the crushing burden of unlimited immigration. We also need to make sure immigrants fit into and help improve Canadian society, but instead of much needed workers in high demand sectors the federal government has recently announced that they are inviting 1000 people from Gaza. I am very concerned about how we will screen these immigrants, given that we already know from polling that the vast majority of people in Gaza support Hamas. We already have far too many people in Canada protesting Jewish communities and businesses, and not enough nurses and construction workers, but our priority for immigration is people who are likely to do the former rather than the latter? The unrelenting immigration policies of the federal Liberal-NDP government has become negligent and detrimental to all Canadians. A federal policy that opens the immigration floodgates only to expect the provinces to bear the burden and costs is not sustainable. Common sense must prevail – and common sense dictates we must adopt a more rational and measured approach to immigration in fairness to all Canadians and the newcomers to this country.

As we navigate the challenging landscape of rising inflation, it becomes evident that we are all feeling the pinch, grappling with the negative effects on our wallets and daily lives. The ominous warnings of surging grocery prices, escalating rents, and increasing clothing costs in 2024 only amplify our concerns about meeting our financial obligations. In these trying times, Manitobans from all walks of life are being compelled to make tough choices. Families are forced to trim their budgets, cutting back on both non-essential and, regrettably, even essential expenditures. As the burden of living with less looms over our heads, a pertinent question arises – why are our governments seemingly unfazed as they continue to dig deeper into our pockets? Elected officials often face the challenge of making difficult decisions, but it’s essential to consider the foundation upon which these decisions are made. Have they delved deep into the intricacies of each department? Have they taken steps to conduct a comprehensive Zero-based budget review? I’ve previously outlined the advantages of undertaking such a thorough examination. Regrettably, no government has shown a willingness to cut non-essential costs. Here in the City of Winnipeg, we are confronted with an impending 3.5% tax hike, with the added burden of surging property values, effectively amounting to a second tax increase for many. What remains uncertain is the looming spectre of frontage fees, whose escalation we are yet to ascertain. And let’s not forget the impending water and sewer rate increases. In the face of these looming financial hardships, it’s disheartening to observe that our city councillors have chosen not to share in our sacrifices. Instead, they appear to have granted themselves a generous budget increase of $80,000 per year, surpassing even their provincial counterparts. How can any councillor justify such a raise when many citizens are struggling to make ends meet? Furthermore, councillors have consistently enjoyed annual salary increases, not to mention the added perk of car allowances and underground parking – with EPC members enjoying even more substantial benefits. The absence of substantial efforts to cut non-essential spending within the city council raises questions about their commitment to fiscal responsibility. Have they made the tough choices required to trim management levels or reduce waste across departments? Have they curtailed the excessive expenditures? Regrettably, the answer is a resounding “no.” Compounding our fiscal challenges is the colossal debt that the city must grapple with, coupled with the escalating cost of servicing this debt — a burden shared by every citizen. The situation mirrors a similar trend at the provincial level, where the NDP administration has doubled the number of political staff and raised wages across the board. Government ministers now boast up to four personal staff members in addition to their existing teams. The issue of extravagant spending extends to conventions, where elected officials at the city and provincial levels use taxpayer funds to attend. City councillors and key public service staff benefit from this privilege, mirroring practices at the provincial and federal levels. It’s imperative to question whether these expenditures are indeed essential. Do elected officials need to attend conferences, spend lavishly on advertising, or maintain constituency offices? Can’t they fulfil their duties by hosting regular coffee events within their jurisdictions? The idea of city councillors expending taxpayer dollars to maintain offices within their wards also warrants scrutiny. In light of these disparities, we must ask why the burden of tightening our belts and slashing non-essential spending falls squarely on the shoulders of Manitobans. It’s time to consider a rule that bars any government from increasing taxes without first reducing elected officials’ non-essential expenditures. As we’re compelled to put our financial houses in order, our leaders should set an example by doing the same. Manitobans deserve accountability, transparency, and fiscal responsibility from their elected representatives. It’s high time our leaders heed this call and lead by example.

Happy New Year to all. Sad to say, Winnipeg brought in the new year with more unwelcomed violence. At 1:30am on New Year’s day a bystander was randomly shot at a downtown Winnipeg lounge. From my understanding, the first shooting in Winnipeg of 2024 was just over an hour into the new year. Apparently, an altercation between two groups had taken place and this resulted in a bullet ricocheting into a bystander. Thankfully, they were taken to the hospital and, from the most recent update, are in stable condition. With a new year upon us, Manitoba and Winnipeg need to have a serious discussion about crime. According to the Crime Severity Index in Canada, Winnipeg had more violent crime in 2022 than any other city in Canada, with a population of 100k. That crime rate was a 20 percent increase from 2021, and judging from the crime headlines last year, we can see that it has only gotten worse. Many people are trying to live up to their resolutions in the first few weeks of January. It’s always a challenge, a new year, a new you, with new habits! If it isn’t too bold of me and not too late, I propose a New Year's resolution for Manitoba. How about a new Manitoba with no violent crime?! Is it too much to ask for Winnipeg to not have the second highest per capita murder rate in Canada? Is it too much to ask that bystanders shouldn’t fear being randomly shot in downtown Winnipeg? I don’t think so. I think we just need a common-sense approach to managing the problem. The catch and release bail system that the NDP-Liberal government hasn’t completely overturned should be the first step in fixing the issue. We can’t continually see the same violent criminals plaguing our streets get caught, charged, and then released to simply recommit. We can't allow crime and disorder to be normalized. When this happens, it becomes “OK” to commit crime in the eyes of criminals because there are no consequences. If it is OK to break the law a little and not get in trouble, why not a lot more? This is how we end up with high crime rates and repeat offenders. Catch and release - is that a deterrent for criminals to breaking the law? Is that fair to the victims of countless crimes? The answer - we must not normalize violence in our streets. We must reform the criminal justice and bail system. We must also give our police more resources. When I was a mayoral candidate for Winnipeg I proposed a number of policies to get tough on crime and help police do their difficult work. That included the idea of talking to the provincial government about putting sheriffs in Winnipeg hospitals in order to free up police resources. Right now, police officers are tied up at hospitals when they have to wait with perpetrators in custody who need treatment, leading to longer response times for people reporting crime. Putting sheriffs in the hospital will also create a safer environment. I also pushed for more police boots on the ground. Everyone with a gun and a badge should be on the street and be utilized to maximum effect. That's how we start to address crime prevention. These are just some of the bold ideas necessary to stop the normalization of crime. So let’s be bold and smart this year. I propose a New Year’s resolution for Manitoba - a new Manitoba with no violent crime. Let’s bring some common sense to criminal enforcement.