The MLA for Morden-Winkler says 2021 was "a year like no other." Cameron Friesen says it was a year of challenges, but adds that doesn't mean it's been a year without joy, or without celebration.

Clearly, however, he says the ongoing pandemic is something our area and province has never had to struggle with before - a global pandemic that has massively impacted all of us - the way we move, the way we meet, the way we go about our business, and the way we go to church.

In the centre of the government's responsibilities in 2021, has been a significant responsibility to lead the response to Covid-19, said Friesen.

Morden-Winkler MLA, Cameron Friesen says 2021 was a year of challenges, but adds that doesn't mean it's been a year without joy, or without celebration.

"People will often say we didn't get everything right, and I'd be the first to admit it, but someone has to be in charge during a pandemic. There were many things that maybe don't get as emphasized but went right during the pandemic."

Friesen said there is a very significant operation underway in the hospitals to reconfigure and put people where they are needed, build ICU beds, and deploy doctors and nurses to where they are best used.

"We had one of the most significant vaccine systems to get vaccines to citizens,"added Friesen.

In addition to that, Friesen said Manitoba had one of the very first vaccine cards in Canada of all of the provinces, one he says has proven to be one of the best. While there are still challenges ahead, he says they are maneuvering and working hard.

"Our unbridled thanks go to nurses, and doctors, and health care workers in the front line that continue to respond. And we continue to say to people, 'hang in there.' Even though it's a pandemic, pandemics don't last forever, we will see the end of this. We will get back to normal!"

Friesen, who is also the Minister of Justice and Attorney General for Manitoba, said while there has been a significant focus on pandemic response, the government has not stopped working for this area. (Morden-Winkler)

Friesen points out that it was less than two months ago that the provincial government announced an almost $65-million, two phase reconstruction and expansion to the Boundary Trails Health Centre. "A key component of our government's transformation of the healthcare system, "said Friesen.