As the Manitoba Legislature resumed its first session of the 43rd Legislature on October 2, Jeff Bereza, MLA for Portage la Prairie, is back at work. He discussed the issues and what lies ahead for Portage and the province.
“We go back in and we debate different bills that have come forward, whether they come from the government or from the opposition. It might be on some things regarding edged weapons, it might be something to do with healthcare, or it could be something to do with workers. There are a number of things that we debate. A lot of times, it'll go to committees so that people from the outside can have their say on it as well, and we will vote yes or no; whether to move forward on it.”
One of the most pressing pieces of legislation is the "Justice for Jordan" bill, named after Jordan Reimer, a designated driver whom a drunk driver killed. While the driver was charged, the person who handed them the keys faced no legal consequences, something Bereza feels must change.
“We believe that's like handing somebody bullets to put in the gun. Right now, there really is nothing to charge that person with. We've suggested that we look to other provinces for precedent in Manitoba. When it comes to drinking and driving, there's no law that is enough for a family that loses a loved one.”
Bereza connected deeply with the Reimer family’s tale.
“We listened to them and heard their story. When I think about it, it could have been one of my daughters that was a designated driver, or it could have been one of my grandchildren that were killed by a drunk driver. I think any legislation that we can work on to make sure that we are making Manitobans safer is always a good thing.”
The MLA also has his sights set on local issues, particularly the long-awaited MRI machine for the new Portage District General Hospital.
“For us, as people from Portage la Prairie, the first goal for me, and I'll continue to bring it up during question period and any other time that I have, is the MRI. Of course, it's important that we get this done here in Portage.”
Agriculture is another top priority.
“Our agriculture industry is so huge to Manitoba. We have to make sure that we protect it. Canada is a huge supplier of grain to the world and when we're not a reliable source, then some of these countries look to other countries to get it. The farmers of Manitoba should not be punished for things like that.”
Bereza explains his thought process when he enters a new session.
“When I go into those meetings, my thought is ‘how does it affect all Manitobans?’ We have to look at how we can sway some other Members or help them see that it's better to do it one way or the other. If there's common ground that we can come to, we could amend a bill. We did that last session with the savings on gas tax, we had it amended so that it would cover both municipalities and school divisions, so that they could also access the cheaper fuel prices.”
As the legislature moves toward the next few months, with a throne speech scheduled for November, the MLA reminded residents of Portage that his door is always open.
“When anybody comes into the office, they always refer to it as my office. It's not my office; it's your office. We're usually open Monday to Friday. If you see the lights on there, because a lot of the time I'm there on the weekends, just come by and say hello or let me know if you have any issues.”