Hoping to plant the seeds of political change Keystone Party of Manitoba hosts town hall meeting in Gladstone

By Eoin Devereux Neepawa Banner & Press

Manitoba’s newest political party has humble, but realistic expectations for itself in the upcoming provincial election. That’s because the Keystone Party is looking at the big picture when it comes to long term provincial prosperity, and is hopeful disenfranchised voters will do the same.

The fledgling political group, which began last year, held a Town Hall meeting on Friday, Feb. 17 at Stride Hall in Gladstone. A few dozen people attended the event, looking to learn more about what this new party was all about.

Keystone leader Kevin Friesen addressed the group, and outlined their platform. Some of the key points focused on fundamental rights and personal freedoms. As well, they trumpeted a need for limitations to government size and spending, the importance for equal distribution of health care and education opportunities and a tougher stance on crime.

Friesen also spoke on his move into the political forum. He noted that while he did not grow up with a passion for politics, it’s something he has been compelled to act upon, as he has learned about our provincial political situation.

“[The more I’ve learned], the more apparent it is that we desperately need a change in Manitoba. And that’s probably why you are here tonight, as well,” said Friesen. “The Keystone Party is a grassroots party, and those who believe in it will support us in the capacity that they are able. And I truly believe that if we educate every Manitoban as to what we’ve created in the Keystone Party, we will, together, be able to effectively change what our government has become.”

A realistic expectation

After his brief introduction speech and discussion of the party platform, Friesen took questions from the crowd. He was asked what the Party hopes to bring forward in terms of candidates, for the upcoming provincial election in October. Friesen said that the numbers would be dependant upon the level of support and enthusiasm they’re able to generate through these types of get-togethers. He did note, however, that the initial response suggests that eight to 10 Keystone candidates is a realistic expectation at the moment.

Friesen added that, for a grassroots party such as this, it’s more important to have quality representation, as opposed to a mass volume of names filling the ballot.

Another question brought forward was related to vote splitting between Keystone and the

Progressive Conservative Party. Friesen said realistically, the ridings where they’ll likely be able to run have enough supporters that lean towards that side of the political spectrum that it will not be an issue.

Local autonomy an important component

After the Town Hall concluded, the Banner & Press had the opportunity to speak one-on-one with Friesen. We enquired as to what truly made Keystone different from the current options. Friesen said that the local autonomy and an active voice in policy for each constituency associations will be an important component.

“We want to empower our members and involve them in actually creating party policy. We plan to do that with solid constituency associations which we hope to set one up [here in Gladstone] tonight, where members can recommend party policies or amend - ments to existing policies. Now, in addition, keep in mind that constituency associations will be able to choose their local candidate without interference from the party leader or the caucus as well. Believe it or not, there is no other legacy party in Manitoba that actually operates this way,” stated Friesen. “Every single political party in Manitoba says that they listen to the grassroots, but the Keystone party will actually implement it.” Agassiz is the sixth electoral district where the Keystone Party of Manitoba has held a Town Hall meeting, with three more similar gatherings planned for within the next 30 days.

The Manitoba general election is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 3

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By Casper Wehrhahn Neepawa Banner & Press

The Neepawa and District Chamber of Commerce has confirmed that the 2023 edition of the Chamber Fair will be held from May 26 to 28 this year. However, they are currently seeking volunteers to help keep things rolling.

Ally Potrebka, board and fair committee member, told the Banner & Press that, as of Feb. 15, there are currently seven committee member volunteers. To run the Chamber Fair, a total of 40 are needed to help at the various events, as well as with set up and clean up.

“The Chamber Fair is the main fundraising event for the Neepawa Chamber and it helps us serve our membership throughout the year with advocacy, training and engagement with business owners,” said Potrebka, stressing the event’s importance. “[It] brings hundreds of new people to Neepawa every year, which creates income opportunities for our local stores, gas stations, restaurants and hotels.”

Potrebka added, “It also gives community members an opportunity to give back to their community through volunteering. It’s an opportunity for visitors to see what Neepawa has to offer, for community members who have moved away to come back and visit and for newcomers to be involved in the community.”

Every year, the Chamber Fair brings activities such as the midway, petting zoo, town wide yard sale and a social event for the town and surrounding community to enjoy. If the Chamber doesn’t have enough volunteers in time for the fair, the available events for the 2023 installment may need to be reduced.

Potrebka also emphasized that, if Neepawa were to lose the Chamber Fair, it would not only make a significant impact on the town, but the communities in the area as well.

“We hire a number of local vendors to host events during the Chamber Fair, such as the food truck venue, midway and petting zoo,” said Potrebka. “If the Chamber Fair wasn’t able to continue, it would have a significant impact on these local businesses.”

Currently, the Neepawa and District Chamber of

Commerce has volunteer spots ranging from one hour, to the full weekend. Anyone wishing to sign up, or get more information on the involved tasks, are asked to contact the Chamber office via 204-476-5292.

“The earlier people sign up to volunteer, the better,” said Potrebka. “This way we can plan events accordingly.”

Any non-profit groups interested in having a tent at the fair, or chamber members looking for new sponsorship opportunities, are also welcomed to get in touch with the Chamber office.

Regarding plans for the 2023 fair, office administrator Jennifer Wiebe noted that the Chamber is looking forward to a new partnership ‘with a great midway company’.

“We will be having new rides and events this year, and we hope to have an ATM on site,” said Wiebe. “Some of your family favorites, as well as many new things, [will be] at this year’s fair.

Wiebe added, “We will be welcoming back The Clubbing Fraggles to rock out at the social! Watch for our 50/50 draw to come out and details about all the other events that weekend on our social media platforms and Chamber Chat newsletter to members.”

The Neepawa and District Chamber of Commerce extends its sincerest thanks to all those who have aided with the Chamber Fair through their volunteerism in the past years.