Standing together in 2025 and beyond

Winnipeg Centre

Having nearly reached 2026, folks in Winnipeg Centre can look back on another busy year, filled with many surprises.

For many, 2025 will go down in the books as a difficult year, marked by overlapping affordability, housing and mental health crises, attacks on our constitutional rights, rising hate and extremism, and a devastating wildfire season. Throughout, it has remained clear that we cannot continue sweeping these crises under the rug with the hope that reactionary policy will keep them hidden.

While we have lots of work ahead, the approaching new year gives us an opportunity to reflect on our progress and plan for the future.

Despite the tumultuous times, 2025 brought me moments of inspiration while connecting with constituents in Winnipeg Centre. Our community organizations build meaningful relationships and uphold the dignity of those they serve. That’s why I so proudly advocated on their behalf, helping to secure federal funding for several organizations in Winnipeg Centre: $10 million for the Women’s Health Clinic’s infrastructure; $600,000 for Resource Assistance for Youth’s pre-employment training; $14 million for Ka Ni Kanichihk’s campus and cultural centre; $5 million for West Central Women’s Centre’s housing add-in; $1.12 million for NorWest Co-Op Community Health’s youth employment programs; $9 million for Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre’s Asihcikan Indigenous community hub and free grocery stores; $20 million for an affordable housing project in Chinatown; and $25,000 in funding from the New Horizon’s program for a new kitchen at Brooklands Active Living Centre.

In Ottawa, our small but mighty NDP team has punched above its weight and shown it is dedication to upholding human rights in Canada. That includes:

• The right to food, pressuring the government to make permanent the national school food program, a policy proposal that originated from the NDP;

• The right to health care, forcing the Liberals to implement the Canadian dental care plan – now serving as many as six million people – and protect it from budget cuts;

• The right to strike, advancing my bill to end back-to-work orders by repealing Sec. 107 of the Canada Labour Code;

• The right to free, prior and informed consent for Indigenous people, holding the government accountable for upholding Indigenous rights through calling out their unconstitutional Bill C-5.

I was so proud that this year, based on accomplishments like these, our community chose to re-elect me to represent them in Ottawa for the third time. It’s the love and support that I receive from this community that drives me to work tirelessly, ensuring it remains the vibrant, diverse and welcoming place we know it to be.

In 2026, we will continue our fight for a more just world, in Winnipeg Centre, and beyond.

I wish each and every one of you warmth and wellness this holiday season.