Standing up for Wowchuk

I really don’t want to post anything about politics on social media. But in this case, I feel compelled to support Rick Wowchuk.

I wonder if Premier Wab Kinew is aware that this project was approved by the Progressive Conservatives when they were last in power. Does he understand that the MLA of Swan River was very involved in securing funding and supporting this project through it’s stages, until completion?

Kinew publicly says, “$16.6 million of your money invested into the build …” and he goes on to say, “it’s your money, it’s not the PCs’, it’s not mine, it’s yours.” This makes absolutely no sense. It emphasizes that he should not be interfering with the guests that can or can not speak. He should let the people responsible for the event choose. Let the MLA who helped secure the money and work toward the cause speak. Let the local MLA speak on behalf of the voters that elected him into his constituency.

Anyone involved in politics (or anyone with common sense) understands that this is common practice to ask your local MLA to speak at a function such as this. If it’s “yours,” then let those people choose who can speak. Kinew has no jurisdiction or right to call the school board and tell them who can and can not speak, and then days later make a ludicrous comment, “that is your money.” Absolutely embarrassing as an elected official to make such a statement.

Just to reiterate this project and money was secured when the PCs were in power. MLA Rick Wowchuk was the MLA that aided in securing the funding and assisting in the project. The NDP really had nothing to do with the concept and money allocated. But now Kinew wants to dictate to the local school board and community that they can not have their local MLA speak at the function.

Kinew: “Show me the government announcements that we were invited to in opposition.”

Wow, get your facts straight before you make this statement. Over the last 30-plus years I have attended more than 600 provincial sport lunches, banquets, opening ceremonies, etc. where local dignitaries, including MLAs, were asked to speak on behalf of the local community that they represent.

Whether they were in power or not, MLAs have attended the function and spoke on behalf of that constituency. When the PCs were in power, it was common practice for the local MLA (NDP, Liberal or PC) to speak at the event. Not once, that I am aware of, that I attended where the opposition MLA was denied to attend because of their political affiliation. I attended events, more than I can count, where an opposition MLA was in attendance and spoke.

Actually years ago, I attended a Special Olympics championship, when Gary Filmon (PC) was the leader and the opposition leader Gary Doer (NDP) attended and spoke. Whether the PCs were in power, NDP and Liberal MLAs spoke at these functions. Whether the previous NDP were in power, Liberal and PC MLAs spoke at events. The MLA was representing their jurisdiction, simple as that.

Reporter: “But I’m asking you and the NDP government how much money did the NDP put forward for this project?”

Kinew: “It’s your money, it was built during our time in office.”

Again, Kinew needs to understand the facts. Also, if you don’t know the answer to the reporter’s question, please be honest. Tell us you don’t know and that you’ll find out. Don’t just project a “statement” back at the reporter. That is not answering a simple question.

Kinew: “This MLA is not a good guy.” He goes on: “Come on, does someone care about some backbench MLA right now?”

I have known Rick Wowchuk for about 40 years. He is caring, unselfish, kind, hard-working and doesn’t have an ego unbecoming of most politicians. He has been a volunteer in his community for decades, he coached in his community for decades, he has positively influenced young peoples lives and he genuinely cares. So, does “someone care?” Yes, I am a Manitoban and I care about generous people such as Rick Wowchuk. We may not always agree with his political decisions, but those of us that know him respect him for fulfilling his political duties in the best interest of his constituents. That’s who Rick is. He is an honourable man with strong moral character and integrity.

Kinew says, “look him up.” Really? I looked up Kinew, and within seconds found some information that has been known for years, and is public and disturbing.

I’m sorry, I don’t like to post about politics. But when someone makes false statements and insults a good person, I could not just read it and accept it. He should be held accountable for his words, just like he attempts to hold others accountable for their words. I’m sure that there are many who share my respect for Rick Wowchuk as an MLA and a genuine good person.

CAREY LASUIK

Brandon