For Morden-Winkler MLA, Carrie Hiebert, 2024 was an amazing year that provided countless opportunities for connection.
"I've had a lot of opportunities to meet and discuss a lot of issues and a lot of really good things that have been happening in our community," commented Hiebert in a year-end interview with PembinaValleyOnline. "I've really enjoyed getting out and meeting people in our community. The businesses, the tours, meetings and events have been great."
She added, the Morden-Winkler area is thriving.
"I don't think we realize how blessed we are with the amazing support. Our business community comes behind us and also, the people and the volunteers. Our healthcare and frontline workers. We've got so many amazing people here and I'm really proud to be part of this community and represent it."
The year also saw some great things happen in the community. For example, the new Ecole Discovery Trails school in Morden, and work began on upgrading the Winkler Centennial Arena and Boundary Trails Health Centre.
"I do want to bring up that those were things that were supported by the previous PC government. I'm looking at that and I'm celebrating those things," said Hiebert.
Additionally, 2024 provided opportunities for Hiebert to bring various concerns forward in the Manitoba Legislature in her role as MLA but also as Opposition Critic for Housing, Addictions, Homelessness and Mental Health.
"Advocating for Genesis House and the transitional housing project we have going, which is very important to both our community and the province," she explained, noting Manitoba has some of the highest intimate partner violence numbers in Canada. "We really need to address this problem."
Hiebert's focus has been on increased access to affordable housing as well.
"One of the biggest things that are on the minds of Manitobans and people in our communities is affordability for families, and that's a real struggle. So, we need to meet people where they're at."
She says she's also been lobbying government to financially support a long-term wastewater treatment solution for the City of Morden.
"We need more help with our funding with our wastewater projects. Winkler and the R.M. of Stanley are doing well with their project, and that's also because of the previous government and some regional funding that's come through the last few years. We just really need to work on that project for Morden."
Hiebert is encouraging the community to also get involved by signing a petition that she is circulating in the area.
With files from Robyn Wiebe