The Manitoba NDP Caucus made a stop in Ste. Anne this week as part of a three-day retreat aimed at strengthening connections with rural communities. MLAs met with residents and municipal leaders to hear directly about priorities in the growing bilingual town. Mayor Yvan St. Vincent said the caucus noticed both the pace of growth and the unique needs that come with it. “I think it was a recognition, acknowledging the growth that we're having here, and both the growth and the bilingualism of our town, were clearly the highlights of our meeting with them,” said St. Vincent. “Of course, growth brings on a lot of challenges and those are things that we discuss with them.” Retreat focused on rural priorities According to the caucus, this year’s retreat focused on hearing directly from rural Manitobans, while also discussing the government’s key priorities, including rebuilding health care, lowering costs, and keeping communities safe. “This retreat offers an important opportunity to connect with rural Manitobans and deliver on what Manitobans elected us to do,” said NDP Caucus Chair Robert Loiselle. “Connecting with our communities and constituents this summer has been incredibly rewarding, and we look forward to returning to the House to continue making progress and ensuring we are building one Manitoba.” The three-day caucus retreat included stops in Ste. Anne, Lorette, Morden, Springfield Colony, and Winkler. Bilingual services survey now open Bilingualism was a significant part of the discussion. The mandate letter for the Minister responsible for Francophone Affairs, the Honourable Glen Simard, includes an obligation to improve access to services in French in multiple sectors so that Manitoba is a truly bilingual province. On March 20, 2025, Minister Simard announced plans for a broad consultation with Manitobans to guide the creation of a long-term strategy on bilingualism. A provincewide survey is the first step in this work and will remain open until October 31, 2025. The online survey can be found at engagemb.ca. People who wish to provide more detailed written remarks can send input by email to bilingualmanitobabilingue@gov.mb.ca. Upcoming consultations Several consultations will also be held in October: Online, in French: Wednesday, October 15, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. In-person, in French: Monday, October 20, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Université de Saint-Boniface in Winnipeg (Salle Sportex, 200 av. de la Cathédrale) Online, in English: Tuesday, October 21, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. In-person, in French: Thursday, October 23, 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Bilingual Service Centre in Notre Dame de Lourdes (51 Rogers Street) Online, in French (for remote regions such as Thompson, The Pas, Dauphin, St. Rose du Lac, St. Lazare, etc.): Tuesday, October 28, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. To register, residents can contact bilingualmanitobabilingue@gov.mb.ca.