Does your organization or community group have a project in mind and seeking funding?
Applications for the 2021 Building Sustainable Communities program are being accepted until Feb. 28.
Successful applicants will receive up to 50 per cent of their eligible project costs, up to $75,000. An additional added component will increase maximum support up to $300,000 for several larger-scale capital projects.
Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, charitable organizations and municipalities.
For information about the program, or to apply, go to www.manitobago.ca
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A roof replacement and structural upgrade at the Elkhorn School in the Fort la Bosse School Division, was part of the $50 million for school capital funding announced in January.
The $50 million, which is on top of the $160 million promised in Budget 2020, will be used for upgrades, new mechanical systems and accessibility upgrades across the province.
As well, $24 million will be used to purchase seven parcels of land for new schools in Manitoba, including two slated for Brandon.
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Beginning April 1, Manitoba Agriculture Services Corporation (MASC) and Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development, will offer a single window for producers across the province to access their services.
Area producers requiring face-to-face services provided by MASC and provincial agricultural specialists at a physical location, will be able to do so in Brandon.
Otherwise, producers can call a toll-free number and be directed to the appropriate person or services. Additional online services will also be provided.
Offices will continue to offer workspace for staff in Minnedosa and Virden, but they will not be open to the public.
The petroleum branch office, located in Virden, is not affected by the change.
Investments are being made in additional technology to provide options for signing and delivering documents.
No employees are expected to lose their jobs.
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On a personal note, I appreciate the confidence shown in me by Premier Brian Pallister, by naming me Chair of the Progressive Conservative Caucus.
Several people have asked me what this involves. The Caucus Chair is the liaison between all PC MLAs and the Premier; works with the caucus director in office staffing matters; chairs daily caucus meetings when the Legislature is in session, and at least monthly meetings when it is not; and represents caucus on the Progressive Conservative Board of Directors.
As well as being named Caucus Chair, I was also appointed to the Priorities and Planning Committee of Cabinet chaired by the Premier; the Public Sector Compensation Committee chaired by Central Services Minister Reg Helwer; the Legislative Assembly Management Committee chaired by Speaker Myrna Driedger; and the PC Caucus Legislation and Regulations committee chaired by MLA Janice Morley-Lecomte.
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Since the pandemic began 11 months ago, our constituency office has received countless emails and phone calls, as constituents look for answers to questions about Public Health Orders and the pandemic in general.
My assistant Judy Snitynsky and I strive to respond to all emails and phone calls as quickly as possible. We ask that you contact us by email or by phone, not texts or messages, and include your name, address and phone number.
The Manitoba Legislature will resume sitting on Wednesday, March 3 for a 40-day session that is expected to end on Tuesday, June 1.
There are over 55 government bills that have been introduced and will be up for debate during the session. As well, Budget 2021 is expected to be delivered and debated some time in March.
At the end of the last session, a Private Bill that I sponsored, receive Royal Assent by Lieutenant-Governor Janice Filmon after passing all three readings. Bill 200, the United Church of Canada Amendment Act, reflects changes to the church’s governance structure, as passed by the United Church General Council on July 22, 2018.
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Greg Nesbitt, Member of Legislative Assembly for the Riding Mountain Constituency can be reached at 204-759-3313, toll-free 1-844-877-7767 or by email at gregnesbittml
