Midland MLA Lauren Stone has completed her first full calendar year in office. Her service to the Midland constituency at the legislative level has been successful. As 2024 unfolds, Stone is particularly proud of her accomplishments.
“The people of Midland continue to support me as your voice in the Manitoba Legislature, and that, to me, is the biggest win,” said Stone. “In September, I was honoured to be appointed the Shadow Minister for Finance and Manitoba Hydro, which has been an exciting new challenge. I am digging into where the NDP are spending your tax dollars. We are seeing ballooning deficits and debt, and unaccounted-for spending at a time when the last thing Manitobans can afford is more debt.”
Stone highlights that one of the biggest challenges of her role as an Opposition member is obtaining timely responses from ministers for her constituents.
“I will continue to advocate and press the ministers and government for those answers that my constituents need and deserve,” said Stone. “With a year in office now, I can say the learning curve never stops. Every day is a new challenge and a new opportunity.”
Stone notes that the United States will have the new Trump Administration in early 2025. With the threat of 25 percent tariffs on the horizon, this will be a top-of-mind issue for the agriculture and manufacturing sectors in Midland and all Manitobans.
“Over the past number of weeks, I have been calling for a Team Manitoba approach to ensure all corners of our province are well-represented as negotiations take effect. I am hopeful the NDP will do the right thing and agree to an all-party approach on this very serious issue.”
In terms of New Year’s resolutions, Stone will be advocating hard for a much-needed personal care home for the region, which will be at the top of her list.
She also wants to see the improved delivery of healthcare services for Midland’s rural communities, including recruitment and retention of doctors, nurses and healthcare aides at its rural ERs.
“I will also continue advocating for a comprehensive water management strategy for the Pembina Valley region that includes both potable water and irrigation for our growing communities and farmers. In addition, I will continue to stand up against rising NDP taxes and ensuring your tax dollars are spent wisely.”
Stone and her family would like to wish everyone a happy and prosperous 2025 and wants the public to know that she is readily available to anyone that would like to reach out.
“I want to thank you all again. I am always here to listen and help,” said Stone. “Our office is open to each and every one of you, and I want to ensure if you have ideas, challenges, suggestions, or if you just want to connect, please reach out. I look forward to continuing to advocate for you at the Manitoba Legislature in 2025.”
