Doug Paterson - searching for fair treatment for western Manitoba

Doug Paterson, Councillor for Ward 1 in the City of Brandon produced a report to Brandon City Council which raises concerns about the unfairness with which Brandon and area has been treated by NDP and Conservative provincial governments.

Brandon with about 45,000 people and serving a region with about 190,000 people deserves to be treated fairly by the provincial government.

Doug Paterson's report asks why the provincial government provides $1,223,000 in 2006/07 to Destination Winnipeg, to promote economic development and tourism in Winnipeg and yet provides nothing to the City of Brandon.

Doug Paterson's report asks why the provincial government has allows Manitobans access to private wine stores in Winnipeg and yet not in Brandon. It is time that people all over Manitoba were given equal opportunities.

When I met with Doug Paterson on Monday he had other examples - including insufficient representation from Brandon area on provincially appointed boards. Clearly it is time to treat Manitobans fairly whereever they live in Manitoba.

Doug Paterson's report will be coming back to the Brandon City Council for further discussion after the municipal election.