On April 6, 2022, the MLA for Flin Flon, Tom Lindsey introduced Bill 229: The Transportation Infrastructure Amendment Act,
This bill was intended to add a requirement that the minister establishes standards for clearing snow from provincial roads.
The standards would have to meet the minimum requirements set out in the Act and must be published publicly. Many community members have already reached out in support of this bill, or have shared their many experiences feeling unsafe on the frequently snow-covered roads.
the current Minister denies that there is a staffing shortage or gap in service when it comes to clearing roads.
60 road maintenance positions over the past four years were cut, leading to a 47% vacancy rate in the northern region. This means that there are 120 vacant positions, and 300 pieces of heavy equipment were sold in 2 years.
the government is showing how little they prioritize northern Manitoba. Not only is this out of touch, but it denies the reality of Manitobans living in rural, northern, and remote areas.
As of November 15th, Lathlin has begun the fifth legislative session with a speech from the throne. The direction that this government plans to take in the final year before the next election seems to once again repeat its terrible decisions, and once again falls short of recognizing and addressing the needs of northern Manitoba.
amanda.lathlin@yourmanitoba.ca 1(204) 623-2034.
