La Vérendrye MLA Konrad Narth says this summer has been both busy and productive as he worked alongside communities across the southeast to address local challenges and celebrate regional milestones.
Although the Manitoba Legislature was not in session, Narth said his schedule remained full, with one highlight being the grand opening of the Southeast Event Centre in Steinbach. He described the event as a reflection of the community’s growth and ambition.
“Lots going on in the southeast and I’m really proud to represent such a great area as we’ve seen here with the Southeast Event Centre grand opening,” said Narth. “Lots going on, some challenges, but we’re overcoming some of those challenges.”
Community wells issue
One of the most pressing matters over the summer involved community wells. According to Narth, the province, together with the Office of Drinking Water, shut down several valued wells that many residents rely on.
“The province, together with the office of drinking water, shut down some of the valued community wells throughout our region,” Narth said. “We showed the importance to the community, to the province and we’ve seen movement. We’ve seen collaboration with both the communities, the government and my office, achieving a solution and reopening those.”
He called it an example of how local concerns, when clearly presented, can result in provincial action. The reopening of the wells, he said, was a win for residents who had felt uncertain about the future of their water supply.
Concerns from residents
Narth said conversations with constituents throughout the summer reflected the priorities and frustrations of people living in the southeast. Farmers, contractors and business owners, he noted, often spoke about how government regulations and delays slow their progress.
“People in the southeast are passionate about progress,” he said. “Some of those issues that are brought forward to me are issues that they have with government standing in the way of their progress, whether it be farmers, contractors, business owners, and that really seems to be the largest day-to-day challenges.”
He emphasized that his role is to bring those concerns forward and push for change, adding that collaboration among local leaders, residents and government departments has already demonstrated results.
Role during summer
For Narth, summer is not a break from political work but an opportunity to be present in communities and advocate outside of the legislative chamber. He said he values the time spent meeting people in their own settings and seeing firsthand the issues they face.
“Together, we’ve seen the power in collaboration in seeing results,” he said. “That’s really what keeps me motivated during these months outside the legislature.”
Narth added that even when challenges arise, he sees the southeast as a region filled with determination and momentum. He said the strong engagement of residents is a clear sign of how invested they are in their communities and in shaping the future of the area.