ONE LAST POST - THANK YOU RADISSON
Hi everyone: I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you for the opportunity I have had to serve as a Minister in the provincial government and as the MLA for Radisson for the past 7+ years. Serving in this way is a rare opportunity and I'm grateful to have had it and to have been able to work hard at it.
While the outcome of the election was not what I was hoping for and working towards, I accept the results without question. As a man of faith, I believe these things do not happen by chance. I have learned to be content in any and all circumstances including these ones.
I am especially grateful for the support of my wife Joanne, and our six children - Michael, Melannie, Megan, Matthew, Marissa, and Mark (see photo). I'm looking forward to spending more time with them in the weeks, months, and years ahead. I'm sure I will enjoy not having to balance the constant demands of political life with my duties as a husband and father. That's especially the case for 7-year-old Mark since he has only ever had a politician for a father.
Thank you to my constituency assistant Belinda who has partnered with me these seven years in serving the people of Radisson (and beyond). Her kindness, empathy, and excellent communication skills helped our constituents feel listened to and respected. I'm sad she will be unemployed as a result of my loss, and I highly recommend her for any job where you need a compassionate heart and a listening ear.
Thank you to my faithful and hardworking volunteers including Mikael, Hayden, Nathan, Phil, Dave, Rudy, John, Brandi, Kyle, and many more, as well as Jade, Caleb, and Jack (my "junior blue crew") who helped out all summer at the doors.
To those newly elected including Premier-elect Wab Kinew and Radisson MLA-Elect Jelynn Delacruz, I offer my congratulations. I pray that you will be able to govern with integrity and wisdom. Serving in these roles can be very demanding. It is a responsibility that requires humility. I encourage you to always put the interests of others ahead of your own and to seek the well-being of all Manitobans, regardless of political stripe.
Thank you to all my constituents who took time to share their thoughts, ideas, concerns, and frustrations with me. Thank you to everyone who voted and those who helped make our electoral process run smoothly.
This coming weekend is designated for Thanksgiving in Canada. We have much to be thankful for here in Manitoba.
God bless our province and our country.