Plenty to be thankful for

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 08/10/2011 (5496 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Manitobans across this province have a lot to be thankful for this weekend as many of us gear up for a long weekend celebration with family and friends.

And given the fact that we have just come out the other side of one of the most bitter and negative election campaigns in living memory, perhaps all the more so — we’re just thankful it’s over.

But at this time of year, it’s perhaps more appropriate to look at the silver lining instead of focusing on any dark, grey cloud. In light of this, we thought it was pertinent to list off a hodgepodge of things that folks can be thankful for, while we feast on turkey, ham and pumpkin pie.

First off, Manitobans should be thankful for the long spell of warm, sunny weather that has continued on into October from the hot and glorious summer season Manitobans enjoyed this year.

Here in Brandon, that has allowed many construction and renovation crews to continue working in pleasant summer-like conditions well into the autumn season, including those working to prepare the partially collapsed Brown Block for demolition.

While we’re thankful that this work has finally progressed after months of haggling between the city and the landowners of the Brown Block and The Strand Theatre — and seemingly endless delays — we will be even more thankful once the building is finally down. It’s an eyesore.

A great number of New Democrat voters and politicians are no doubt in a cheerful mood this week after the NDP claimed the support of 46 per cent of Manitobans on Tuesday, giving the party 37 seats across the province — though mostly centred in Winnipeg.

They should be thankful that True North Sports and Entertainment managed to bring NHL hockey and the Winnipeg Jets back to the provincial capital this year, just in time to buoy the happiness factor before Manitobans went to the polls.

(And speaking of the Winnipeg Jets, hockey fans will have something to celebrate on Sunday as the team hosts the Montreal Canadiens at the MTS Centre in their first official season home opener.)

In spite of a very disappointing election loss for the Progressive Conservatives, which ultimately claimed yet another Tory leader — Hugh McFadyen — party members should be somewhat thankful that they have at least not lost any seats in the legislature, and that party support surged to 45 per cent across the province.

On the flip side, Liberal supporters should be thankful that the party wasn’t completely wiped off the political map this election, as party leader Jon Gerrard alone kept his seat in River Heights.

Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger should also be thankful that the election didn’t happen in early spring, when NDP popularity was at a low ebb and the Tories looked like they carried some momentum. Amazing the power that a little natural disaster can have on political fortunes, if seemingly handled well and Winnipeg doesn’t flood.

In truth, however, our one-in-300-year flood was expensive, stressful and heartbreaking for those folks who faced property damage and flooded agricultural lands this spring. But they can take away a measure of solace from the fact that there has been some financial aid from the federal and provincial governments (though we could always use more) and that there was no loss of life this spring due to the rising flood waters.

Homes can be rebuilt and repaired, agricultural land reclaimed and further protected, but the lives of our children, families, friends and neighbours should always come before these rather secondary concerns.

And to those of us who find ourselves in the company of good friends and family this holiday weekend, count your blessings and also give thanks for the food on the table.

There are many people in this province who may be alone this weekend or can’t make ends meet and therefore can’t enjoy the bounty that this season is famous for.

We encourage anyone who can to make a donation to your local food bank so that all Manitobans can have a reason to give thanks.