Over the past few months, I’ve tried to make it a priority to keep our communities engaged and informed about the advocacy efforts we've undertaken. The recent Parliamentary sitting provided a valuable opportunity to enter the legislative building and meet directly with ministers to whom we had submitted resolutions.
Each meeting was constructive and provided a platform to showcase the voices of our communities—to advocate on your behalf and to clearly express the urgent need for increased support from every individual minister. These conversations are key to building understanding and making meaningful progress.
We know that change is possible when we stand together. By working collaboratively—from council to council, supporting one another, and reaching out to our office when needed—we can tackle the issues both collectively and individually.
The strength of our communities lies in our unity—10,000 people strong. It is vital that we are not overlooked or forgotten simply because we live remotely or in small communities. Our voices matter, and our presence must be felt.
Representing you to the ministers has been both challenging and rewarding. Progress can take time, and often it requires repeated meetings and persistence to ensure our concerns are heard and our proposed resolutions are taken seriously. Still, I remain committed to bringing your vision forward and helping others see what we see.
Thank you for the continued support from the communities and the board. It is deeply appreciated.
Northern Manitoba Round Table (NRT)
With respect and solidarity, I want to provide an overview of the Northern Manitoba Round Table (NRT), its founding principles, recent activities, and its ongoing role in the development of Northern Manitoba.
My intention is to inform all the Mayors and Councils of the structure’s significance and its role in shaping a collaborative, sustainable future for the region.
What is the Northern Manitoba Round Table?
The Northern Manitoba Round Table (NRT) is a regional initiative that supports and promotes sustainable economic activities throughout Northern Manitoba. It aims to:
- Enhance quality of life for northern residents by addressing their unique needs and aspirations.
- Foster environmentally friendly economies that support communities across different life stages.
- Encourage inclusive decision-making, involving citizens, governments, and industries.
- Unite regional voices through consensus, recognizing the special challenges and opportunities unique to Northern Manitoba.
In short, the NRT is a forum for regional collaboration—bringing together various sectors and communities to build a prosperous and sustainable North, shaped by those who live there.
Origins of the NRT
The NRT was born out of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on January 14, 1995 by the
Minister of Northern Affairs for the Province of Manitoba, alongside representatives from:
- Keewatin Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO)
- Northern Association of Community Councils (NACC)
- Northern Urban Industrial Communities (NUIC)
This MOU established an Interim Steering Committee (ISC) comprised of:
- Three representatives from the sponsoring organizations (MKO, NACC, NUIC)
- Three representatives from the Provincial Government (including members from Intergovernmental Affairs and Trade, and Aboriginal and Northern Affairs)
The ISC's initial role was to develop the Terms of Reference for an organization that could effectively address regional priorities and concerns across Northern Manitoba. This framework would eventually become what we now recognize as the Northern Manitoba Round Table.
Recent Activity
The NRT continues to act as a strong, unified voice for Northern Manitoba. This month, the NRT has engaged in key discussions with multiple provincial ministers to advocate for northern priorities. This meeting included:
- Minister Simard -Minister of Municipal and Northern Relations
- Minister Wiebe -Minister of Justice and Attorney General
- Minister Naylor -Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure
- Minister Asagwara -Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care
Key topics of discussion included:
- Safety and Peace Officer Training – Exploring ways to improve safety through enhanced training opportunities for local peace officers.
- Shared Policing – Addressing the need for collaborative policing models to better serve remote and Indigenous and Northern Affair communities.
- Support for the Northern Mayors and Chiefs Forum – Strengthening the relationship between political leaders across the North.
- Collaboration with UCN and Elders Council – Emphasizing the importance of Indigenous knowledge and education in regional development.
- Engagement with the Northern Regional Health Authority (NRHA) – Seeking improvements to healthcare access and outcomes.
- Northern Highways – Advocating for investment and upgrades to critical transportation infrastructure in the region.
These discussions are part of the NRT’s broader mandate to work collaboratively with provincial leadership to address regional needs and shape policies that reflect northern realities.
Warm regards,
Sheryl Matheson