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Thanks to the more than 100 people who came by our Kirkfield Park BBQ! I'm grateful to be your MLA.

Our PC Government has kept its promise to make Manitoba more affordable. Cheques are being mailed to those who pay property taxes rebating 50% of your school taxes. That's hundreds of dollars back in your pocket. In addition, we invested over $100 million into schools, which have received 0ver 20% in increases over the last 6 years. How? Because of proper government management of your tax dollars.

More good news regarding the work we are doing to repair and improve your healthcare. Our government has officially opened the state-of-the-art operating room at Concordia Hospital that will increase capacity by up to 1,000 inpatient and same-day hip and knee replacement procedures per year. We are taking action and getting things done. It is easy to make promises and you will many over the next few months. Action speaks louder than words, and I am pleased with the improvements implemented. In addition to renovating the operating room, this expansion includes an additional orthopedic surgeon, investment in anesthesia staff, four new inpatient beds, and additional nursing and allied health staff. “With the opening of our new operating room at Concordia Hospital, we are taking a significant step towards addressing the growing demand for joint replacement surgeries in our community," said Carrie Fruehm, president and COO, Concordia Hospital. "This expansion not only increases our capacity but also allows us to reduce wait times and provide our patients with timely access to the care they need. We are grateful to the Manitoba government and the Concordia Foundation for their partnership in making this expansion a reality. By working together, we can continue to deliver exceptional care, advance medical innovation, and improve the quality of life for our patients.” The Concordia Foundation led the fundraising efforts supporting the renovation of operating room No. 5 to increase the hospital’s joint replacement surgery capacity with the help of over 200 donors who contributed $350,000 toward the capital costs of the project. "By collaborating in this initiative, the Concordia Foundation demonstrated our mission and vision to further enable Concordia Hospital to be a leader in exemplary care, innovation and academic excellence," said Roger Gripp, president and board chair, Concordia Foundation. "The foundation is pleased to have partnered with the Diagnostic and Surgical Recovery Task Force and the Manitoba government on this urgently needed increase to joint replacement surgery capacity at Concordia Hospital." Roxann Goudy, a recent knee surgery patient. “I arrived at Concordia Hospital at 6 a.m. and left the next day just after lunch. It was simply amazing. I couldn’t have asked for better staff. They were supeer helpful, checking in on me and making sure I was comfortable. It just seemed to flow well.” The Manitoba government established the DSRTF in late 2021 to address waitlists for diagnostic and surgical procedures, and other related services affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Supported by experts from across Canada, the team of respected local health-care professionals identify and implement short- and long-term solutions to improve surgical and diagnostic waitlists and make overall lasting improvements to Manitoba’s health-care system.

I have always believed it is not only critical to listen to residents concerns. It is even more essential to take action to address those concerns. Which is why I was happy to announce that our government is responding to feedback from municipalities to help take a co-ordinated approach on bringing unlicensed drainage works into compliance and achieve best value from the licensing system. Our government is listening to our municipal partners and taking further steps to streamline how we administer licensing for legacy drainage infrastructure. Allowing multiple projects on a single licence provides greater value for money for municipalities and taxpayers. Our government and the Association of Manitoba Municipalities are working together on a legacy drainage licensing project. Additionally, the Manitoba government is encouraging municipalities to bundle connected legacy drainage projects together into one application to provide greater value and encourage a watershed approach to drain maintenance. The minister noted that this approach has several benefits, including: co-ordinating legacy drainage projects on a single licence for maintenance purposes; defraying the cost of the licence over multiple projects, providing greater value for money for municipalities and ratepayers; and encouraging a planned approach to drainage maintenance on a watershed basis. “The Association of Manitoba Municipalities commends the Manitoba government for taking action to address long-standing municipal concerns related to drainage project approvals. This new initiative will not only streamline the approvals process but also significantly reduce costs for municipalities,” said Kam Blight, president, Association of Manitoba Municipalities. The Manitoba government is also working to enhance drainage compliance across the province, including enhanced resources for enforcement in Budget 2023 and a review of pre-set fine levels to bring these into line with the new licensing and registration model.

Something I was advocating for when serving as our communities City Councillor is closer to reality, which is good news for Costco fans in Kirkfield Park. A new Costco location application will be heard at City Hall this month. The report going to the council is for a commercial building with a floor area of 166,843 square feet in the Westport Festival near the Red River Exhibition. The report notes, the proposed commercial building will contain a Costco Wholesale Corporation retail store. The report includes renderings that indicate a Costco with parking and a gas station. The city’s public service is recommending that councillors approve the changes.

A dunk tank and a broken toe ... all part of the fun we had today at the Sturgeon Heights Community Centre.

Transparency is vital to the residents I serve and is a commitment I made when putting my name on a ballot to represent my community. I am happy to report back on the first Wastewater Infrastructure Task Force meeting with representatives from our Manitoba government and the City of Winnipeg meeting of the City of Winnipeg Wastewater Infrastructure Task Force. The meeting with task force members Councillor Brian Mayes, Michael Paterson, a senior research scientist for the Experimental Lakes Area, and Jan Oleszkiewicz, a professor of wastewater treatment, as well as technical and scientific staff and field experts from the city and province, provided everyone with the opportunity to discuss the current status of the wastewater infrastructure projects and to share ideas and solutions to wastewater infrastructure challenges and concerns. The City of Winnipeg’s update made it clear that they are working to remove as much phosphorus as possible in the short term and that over the medium term, biological nutrient removal provides the best approach to wastewater treatment for several reasons, including cost and environmental sustainability. The Task Force members discussed phosphorus removal using chemical and biological methods, sustainability and capacity, nutrient recovery and costs. “It was some real moving forward and clearing the air about what we are going to do about wastewater treatment, including phosphorus removal and building capacity for development over the long term. Staff were clear that we are committed to our approach and to making progress,” said Councillor Brian Mayes. The next meeting of the task force is scheduled for July.

Since being appointed Manitoba's Minister for Environment and Climate, I have acted on Premier Stefanson's direction to bring experts together and get things done. This has been accomplished by putting together Task Forces with experts, stakeholders and other levels of government, all working towards one common goal. Today, with our partners the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region and the Manitoba Heavy Construction Association we launched a new Construction, Renovation and Demolition Task Force to find new ways to divert waste materials from Manitoba landfills, create new business opportunities, and protect our environment for generations to come. Construction, renovation and demolition waste is a major contributor of waste to our landfills, so by diverting these materials through reuse and recycling, we create many beneficial opportunities. Diverting these materials from the waste stream leads to the better preservation of finite natural resources and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, in addition to generating new economic opportunities. In 2021, the Manitoba government’s Waste Diversion and Recycling Framework Review identified that construction, renovation and demolition products are the second largest waste stream in Manitoba, representing an estimated 20 to 30 per cent of total waste. “The construction industry has been recycling select materials from road or other projects, but there are numerous materials that could be recovered and reused from broader construction activities to promote resource management and environmental stewardship,” said Chris Lorenc, president and CEO, Manitoba Heavy Construction Association. The benefits also align with the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region’s draft Plan 20-50, which will establish a regional approach supporting waste minimization, diversion and recycling. “Building resiliency in our region is a key objective in Plan 20-50,” said Colleen Sklar, executive director, Winnipeg Metropolitan Region. “This starts with improved data sharing and good working relationships across all levels of government, which ensure sound decision-making and an environment of trust.” The new Construction, Renovation and Demolition Task Force, which will include participation from the City of Winnipeg, Association of Manitoba Municipalities, Winnipeg Construction Association and the Manitoba Home Builders’ Association, will submit a report with recommendations to the Manitoba government in the fall.

I believe it is essential for Government to be transparent, which is why I, as Minister of Environment and Climate, released a full update on the testing and mitigation of lead in drinking water in Manitoba public schools. Releasing a report is only one way to make sure you are completely informed. I was proud to announce a campaign to recognize facilities that have demonstrated compliance with the updated national guidelines for lead in drinking water as well. Our PC Manitoba government and I takes concerns about lead in drinking water very seriously, especially in our schools and child-care centres, and we are taking a proactive, whole-of-government approach to addressing this potential risk to children’s health. Safeguarding our children against lead in drinking water is an ongoing effort, but we want to acknowledge the tremendous progress schools have made to address Health Canada’s new lead standard. Our PC Manitoba government established a $1.6-million grant program to fully fund the cost of testing drinking water taps for lead and for related mitigation activities, which can include filtering the water or eliminating the source of the lead. Results to date show that over 80 percent of public schools in the province have tested drinking water for lead. Of the schools that have tested, 79 per cent have tested below the lead standard or have completed mitigation efforts where results were elevated. Work is already underway to complete mitigation in many other facilities, the minister added. All schools with results above the guideline have been provided with guidance on steps to protect students while work is being completed, and efforts are underway to ensure remaining schools are tested by the end of summer. The same support program has been initiated for independent schools and child-care centres, with testing and remediation well underway. For further information about the testing and mitigation status of all Manitoba public schools is available at: www.gov.mb.ca/sd/water/drinking-water/lead. Additionally, the Manitoba government is launching a lead in drinking water compliance recognition campaign, which identifies facilities that have been tested and demonstrate compliance with the national guideline for lead in drinking water. Schools and child-care centres that meet the national guideline for lead in drinking water will be recognized with a “certified lead tested” sticker. The sticker demonstrates a school or child-care centre’s commitment to safety and assures parents that steps have been taken to reduce exposure to lead in drinking water, the minister noted. The provincially funded grant program is being offered in partnership with the Manitoba Environmental Industries Association (MEIA), which administers the grant and supports schools and child-care centres. MEIA and the Manitoba government are working closely with child-care centres and schools to co-ordinate testing and follow up on mitigation, the minister noted. “MEIA is proud to partner with the Manitoba government on this important initiative in schools and child-care centres,” said Jack Winram, executive director, MEIA. “Many in our organization have children in school or that attend a child-care centre and we are pleased to play a role in protecting our children from lead in drinking water, as we administer this grant.” For additional information on lead exposure, visit https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/environmentalhealth/lead/index.html.

I am excited to inform you that our PC Government has fulfilled another commitment to you. Today we launched our $12.6 million "Hearing Aid" grant program for seniors in Manitoba. Hearing aids provide valuable benefits to improve quality of life, and this program will ensure more Manitoba seniors have the financial means to access them. The application process is underway, and I realize it will be difficult for some people. That is why I invite you to join our community staff and me Thursday (June 8) morning from 9:00 am to 11:00 am in my office at 3025 Portage Avenue. We will help you fill out an application, submit it for your grant, and answer your questions related to the new grant program. Hearing aids provide valuable benefits to improve quality of life, and this program will ensure more Manitoba seniors have the financial means to access them.” The Manitoba Seniors Hearing Aid Program is open to individuals aged 65 or older with a net household income under $80,000. Approved applicants can receive up to $2,000 for hearing aids, including fitting costs. To apply for the grant, individuals must submit: a program application form; a “Proof of Income” statement from the Canada Revenue Agency; and a prescription or audiogram from a certified hearing aid dealer licensed in Manitoba. Individuals must receive an approval letter before purchasing hearing aids, noted the minister. For more information on the Manitoba Seniors Hearing Aid Program, visit https://www.gov.mb.ca/seniors/hearing_aid_program.html. To read Manitoba, A Great Place to Age: Provincial Seniors Strategy , visit https://gov.mb.ca/seniors/docs/seniors_strategy_2023.pdf.

Politics shapes our world, influencing policies, decisions, and the overall direction of a society. While political participation has often been associated with older generations, it is essential for young people to engage in politics actively. One of the primary reasons we need young people like to get involved in politics is to amplify their voices and perspectives. As future leaders and inheritors of societal challenges, young people possess unique insights and fresh ideas to help reshape policies. We know young people can bring attention to issues affecting their generation, such as climate change, student debt, and social justice. Participation of young people ensures a more inclusive and diverse decision-making process. That may result in well-rounded policies that address the needs of all citizens. Political decisions often have long-lasting consequences that disproportionately affect younger generations. Economic inequality, climate change, and social justice require sustainable and forward-thinking solutions. When young become engaged in politics, they can help shape policies that promote intergenerational equity, ensuring a fair and just society for all. I strongly believe in the value of diverse voices and perspectives in politics. We must actively seek to increase youth representation and promote inclusivity within the party structures. I recognize that young people have unique experiences and ideas that can contribute to shaping policies and decision-making. We have children and grandchildren. I will fight to make Manitoba an affordable place for them to live, work, and start a family. It is no secret that we cannot tax and spend our way to a prosperous future. It’s not fair to our young people. We cannot take on more debt to pay for votes today and put that burden on our children and grandchildren. We are committed to addressing the concerns and priorities of young people. Affordable housing, education, job opportunities, mental health, freedom, and inclusion are particularly important to the young demographic. Historically, young people have been marginalized in political spheres, with their perspectives dismissed due to age-related biases. Let’s change that together. I welcome the input of our young people and make myself available to them as well as every resident I represent. Please call my office at 204-888-2211 or email kevin@kevinklein.ca.

The risk of dying in a reported home fire is reduced 50 per cent in homes with working smoke alarms,. Smoke alarms save lives—but they need to be properly installed, equipped with functioning batteries, and within their 10-year service life. Our Manitoba PC Government, through the Office of the Fire Commissioner, is once again offering the Smoke Alarm for Every Family (S.A.F.E. Family) program, in partnership with the Manitoba Firefighters’ Burn Fund. The goal of the S.A.F.E. Family program is to save lives by protecting every home with a working smoke alarm and encouraging residents to make and practise a home fire escape plan. Any homeowner without a working smoke alarm can apply to receive one. Only owner-occupied homes qualify for the S.A.F.E. Family program, since landlords are legally responsible for installing and maintaining smoke alarms in rental units. Fire departments will focus on identifying homes with at-risk residents including older adults, newcomers to Canada, young children, people with disabilities, and low-income families. “The recent rash of fires in both vacant and occupied residences points out the seriousness of the issue for the public and firefighters, along with the number of adults and children who are admitted each year with serious and life-threatening burn injuries” said Martin Johnson, chair, Firefighters’ Burn Fund of Manitoba. “The Firefighters' Burn Fund is pleased to be in partnership with the Office of the Fire Commissioner and Manitoba's fire departments in the delivery of this vital program.” Since the program started in 2015, fire departments across the province have installed more than 7,500 smoke alarms in eligible homes, the minister noted. For more information on the S.A.F.E. Family program, contact a local fire department or visit www.manitoba.ca/safefamily.