Last week, Statistics Canada reported that last year, more than 22,000 Manitobans pulled up stakes and moved elsewhere, primarily to Alberta and British Columbia. Statistics Canada just confirmed what we already know! I personally know of 15 young families who have left our Constituency for British Columbia and Alberta during the last year alone. I am sure that each one of you can do the same. Why is this happening? It’s happening because this NDP Government has not grown our Manitoba economy in step with the rest of Canada. It’s happening because there is less hope and opportunity in Manitoba due to the fact that we have not been able to grow our economy to offer jobs to our young people that will lead to advancement and more opportunity. Young Manitobans are leaving Manitoba to other more prosperous provinces and they are leaving our potholes and our crumbling roads behind!

Statistics Canada also reported a drop in the number of people employed in Manitoba. At the same time, there was an increase in the number of people employed in the rest of Canada. Why is this? Could it be because Manitobans are leaving the province because of job opportunities outside the province? This NDP Government should stand up and take notice. It should take action to create an economy to keep our young families in Manitoba. Instead, the Premier seems to spend more time begging for handouts from the Federal Government than he does trying to grow our economy.

It’s time for this NDP Government to stop the flow of young families out of Manitoba. Our future depends on it. Our future is leaving Manitoba.