After a wonderful summer break, we are thrilled to welcome everyone back to our Manitoba Stronger Together Tuesday evening 60-minute meetings! We hope that each of you had a fantastic summer, filled with moments of relaxation, fun with family and friends, and that you're now energized and ready for the important work ahead.
Click on the Image above to join the Zoom Meeting on Tuesday at 6:30 pm CST
Our Logo ... Want to Know More? Scroll to the Bottom of this page!
What’s Been Happening Behind the Scenes
While we’ve been away, it’s been a busy summer for the team behind the scenes, wrapping up the final details of the incredible Stronger Together Conference. We’re proud of what we accomplished together and look forward to continuing the momentum.
However, there’s a new critical issue that has recently come to our attention—the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region (WMR) and its Plan 20-50. Like many of you, we were caught off guard by this significant piece of legislation. Our awareness was raised after a WMR meeting at the Canad Inn and another one scheduled for Niverville, which was eventually canceled. This issue demands attention and understanding, and that’s why it will be the focus of our first meeting back.
This Week’s Discussion
This week, we’ll be diving into Manitoba Stronger Together’s activities concerning the WMR and Plan 20-50. We’ll break down what it is, why it’s important, and how it impacts us all. We’ll also be introducing some new formats for the Tuesday meetings moving forward, ensuring they remain informative, engaging, and fun. There’s much to cover, so we encourage everyone to bulk up on information and join us for a powerful and insightful session!
We’re looking forward to seeing you all, reconnecting, and working together to create a stronger Manitoba.
Let's come together as a community to explore the issues that matter most to us and chart a path forward toward a stronger, more prosperous Canada. See you there!
This Weeks "Jam Packed" Agenda.
Intro and Welcome to the MST Zoom Meeting (1 min)
The meeting has a 60 minute time length
We only Video Record Guest Presentation
Respectful atmosphere at all times
Guest speakers represent their own perspective, not necessarily the opinion os MST
We provide an opportunity for diverse opinions
Our meetings are intended to inform and to create community
Welcome (New Members) (1 min)
Social Media Reminders
Video from Last Weeks Zoom is now online on our Video page: https://www.manitobastrongertogether.ca/video
New Video About MST Conference: https://www.youtube.com/live/mEczatMuCE0?si=BRAmU_4DaQ0Z4kZp
New video About MST Conference: https://fb.watch/rUAG6-dqNI/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ken.drysdale
Twitter Feed: @MBStronger
Tik Tok: mbstrongertogether
Presentation Ken Drysdale (20 min)
New Format for the Tuesday meetings, now every other week, schedule at the bottom the website main page:
Member Experiences
MORE??
Members Information, we have noticed a trend for members to sign up and not provide any other informaiton apart form their email address. If we do not know your location or even the town or city you plive in we cannot focus information to send to folks in your area. We need folks to fill out their informaiton on the Jon form. Unfortunately the only way to do that is to re-sign up, we regularly cull duplicate entries.
We need to get members in each of the 18 WMR Communities to volunteer to host MST information sessions.
Stronger Together Conferce, great success, we actually have some money from the conference and we will be providing an accounting to membership once our retired CPA returns from vacation. We intend to donate much of the money to other causes, and will retain a little for our costs during the WMR Information Sessions.
WMR Information Sessions,
September 21, 2024 Stonewall
October 5, 2024: Selkirk
More To come, see our email last week to arrange for us to come to your community
MST WMR 20-50 webpage: https://www.manitobastrongertogether.ca/wmr20-50
Content of WMR Information sessions
History
The Planning Act
Active Transportation Act
Plan 20-50
Rules and Bylaws of the WMR
What is a 15 minute City?
Upcoming Events for this Week (40 Min)
Laura Lyn Tyler Thompson is in Winnipeg on September 24, 2024
James Bezan MP Interlake having a Town Hall in Warren Manitoba Thursday September 12, 2024
NCI Hearings Vancouver "Are Your Children Safe" October 17, 18, 19, 2024
Call for witnesses now open https://nationalcitizensinquiry.ca/testify/
Ken Lee is in Dauphin on September 14, 2024 to talk about WMR and 15 minute Cities
Schedule of all events is located at the bottom of the website main page
I have a limited number of copies of Volumes 1 & 2 of the NCI Report available for sale left over from the conference, $60.00 including GST for the set. That is $5 off retail price, I will be avaialable to autograph them as well.
Wins of the Week (5)
#1 Pick of the week https://financialpost.com/news/economy/bank-of-canada-cut-interest-rates-deeper-faster
Economists see the Bank of Canada cutting interest rates for a third consecutive meeting next week, continuing what’s anticipated to be a steady downward trend in borrowing costs over the next year as inflation eases.
Economists are also forecasting faster and deeper cuts to borrowing costs over the next year, and see the central bank reducing the policy rate from the current 4.5 per cent to three per cent by next July. In 2026, the overnight rate is expected to average 2.75 per cent, the data show.
#2 Pick of the week NDP leader Jagmeet Singh officially did what Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre — and Canadians — have urged him to do and tear up his party’s confidence and supply agreement with the Trudeau Liberals.
The deal was to run until June 2025. The irony is that the video was reportedly shot well before Poilievre called on Singh to end the agreement and trigger an election — meaning the termination was in the works for weeks.
Observers cautioned the demise of the Liberal-NDP coalition doesn’t mean an election is at hand, or even imminent. The NDP isn’t polling much better than the Liberals and it lacks the funds to carry out a full blown campaign.
#3 Pick of the week The board dismissed Mr. Alexander’s assertions that he was being discriminated against because of his Christian beliefs, adding that it was his behaviour rather than his religious beliefs that were an issue. The Renfrew County Catholic District School Board, in its decision, said it denied Mr. Alexander’s appeal and upheld the exclusion order from school because the teen “continued to pose a safety risk.” “While individuals are entitled to their religious beliefs, opinions and views, what they are not entitled to do is act in the manner that disrespects, discriminates, insults, denigrates, harasses, bullies or otherwise creates an unsafe environment for any person in the school,” the board said in its written decision. The Ontario Superior Court of Justice recently overruled the board in its bid to keep its findings private and the decision has since been published. The ruling came after Mr. Alexander’s lawyer, James Kitchen, filed an application with the court in February. Mr. Kitchen said the school board’s decision reflects an ideological “fantasy world” where the expression of a faith-based opinion could be termed “unsafe.” https://www.theepochtimes.com/world/school-board-makes-public-its-reasons-for-expelling-josh-alexander-over-voicing-gender-views-5666920
General Discussion, Ken Calls on You. (8 min)
THIS WEEKS READ
What is a 15 Minute City?
What Is it:
A "15-minute city" is an urban planning concept where essential services like work, shopping, education, and recreation are accessible within a 15-minute walk or bike ride from residents' homes. This aims to significantly impact the ability of people to interact in a non intensive urban setting. Similar concepts include the "Smart City," which integrates technology to optimize resources; the "Complete City," focusing on inclusive infrastructure; the "Circular City," promoting resource recycling; and terms like "C40 City" refer to cities committed to climate action in line with the C40 Cities network goals. These ideas all emphasize sustainability, accessibility, and efficiency.
Artificial Concentration of People
The "15-minute city" concept, while promoted as a model for sustainability and convenience, can be criticized for enforcing urbanization and artificially concentrating population density. Originating from global urban planning movements, including the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (Agenda 2030), it aligns with broader efforts to reshape cities for environmental and social objectives.
However, in countries like Canada, with vast land and low population density, and an intensive 5 month winter season the 15-minute city model doesn’t fit naturally. Imposing this concept could undermine rural lifestyles, limit freedom of movement, and force populations into high-density areas, reducing autonomy over where and how people choose to live. This top-down approach risks prioritizing global agendas over the unique needs and freedoms of Canadian residents.
15 Minute City and China Notorious Ghetto Developments
The "15-minute city" concept can be compared to some of China's controversial mega-projects, like the "monster buildings" and "cage apartments" found in densely populated urban centers such as Hong Kong and mainland cities.
These projects, designed to house large populations in confined areas, have led to overcrowding and a diminished quality of life, where residents live in extremely cramped, often degrading conditions.
While the 15-minute city claims to promote sustainability and convenience, there is concern that it could evolve into a similar form of controlled urbanization, where high-density living is forced upon residents. Just as in China, these developments risk prioritizing efficiency and centralized planning over individual well-being, privacy, and the right to choose a more spacious, decentralized lifestyle. Both models could be seen as aligning with an agenda of population control rather than genuine human-centered development.
15 MInute Cities and Central Bank Digital Currency
Combining Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) with the "15-minute city" model raises significant risks to human freedoms, particularly in relation to freedom of movement. CBDCs, being fully digital and centrally controlled, allow governments or central banks to closely monitor and regulate financial transactions.
In a "15-minute city," this could be used to limit where and how citizens spend money, reinforcing geographic constraints. For instance, CBDCs could be programmed with restrictions on where funds can be spent, potentially preventing individuals from purchasing goods or services outside their designated zone or traveling beyond city boundaries without permission.
The centralization of both physical space (through the 15-minute city) and financial transactions (via CBDCs) could lead to a form of economic and social control, where governments or central authorities dictate movement and behavior. Such restrictions could be justified under the guise of reducing carbon footprints or optimizing local economies, but they would effectively trap people in small, controlled urban environments.
This combination risks creating a system where personal freedom, particularly the ability to relocate or move freely, is diminished, as digital currencies can be easily tracked, restricted, or even invalidated by authorities, curbing individuals' ability to escape or resist these urban enclaves.
15 MInute Cities and the "Detroit" Housing Projects
The "15-minute city" concept can be critically compared to the failed urban projects in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s, particularly in cities like Detroit and Chicago. These U.S. urban renewal projects, initially aimed at revitalizing low-income areas and promoting efficient living, quickly deteriorated into overcrowded, poorly maintained, crime-ridden ghettos. The focus on concentrated population density, combined with limited economic opportunities and inadequate social services, created environments of economic despair and social decay. The high-rise public housing developments became synonymous with poverty, crime, and disinvestment.
Similarly, the 15-minute city model promotes dense urban living, but there is a risk that without careful planning and sustained investment in community services, these areas could replicate the failures of past urban projects. If governments forcefully implement such dense living conditions without addressing underlying economic and social disparities, they could inadvertently create environments that foster inequality, social isolation, and crime. The failures of the U.S. urban projects highlight the danger of top-down planning that emphasizes density over human needs, potentially turning "15-minute cities" into modern versions of these failed projects, where promises of convenience give way to social unrest and neglect.
Don't be Fooled: A Rose is a Rose
When discussing the concept of a "15-minute city," various terms are often used to avoid the direct mention of this controversial concept. These terms may sound different but ultimately push the same urban planning agenda of centralized living and controlled population density. Here is a list of alternate names frequently used:
Smart City
Complete City
Circular City
20-Minute Neighborhood
G40 City
Compact City
Walkable City
Sustainable City
Low-Traffic Neighborhoods
Live-Work-Play Communities
Urban Villages
Green City
Eco-City
Transit-Oriented Development (TOD)
Healthy City
Zero-Carbon City
Car-Free Zones
Mixed-Use Development Zones
Localized Urbanism
Decentralized Urban Planning
Dense Development Zones
Smart Growth Initiatives
These names often disguise the same core idea: restricting movement and concentrating populations within controlled, high-density zones. Be wary of the rebranding efforts, as the underlying objective remains the same.
Please join on time, we start and finish on time.
Usually I am in the chat ten minutes before the start of the meeting!
Information for First Timers!
Unite and Ignite: Join us for our Engaging Tuesday Evening Gathering!
At Manitoba Stronger Together, we deeply value our members' time and commitment to our cause. As a testament to this respect, we have made a dedicated effort to keep our weekly Tuesday evening meetings strictly to 60 minutes.
We understand the importance of balancing civic engagement with other responsibilities in our members' lives. By efficiently utilizing this time, we ensure that each minute spent in the meeting is productive, purposeful, and impactful. Our commitment to maintaining a concise and engaging gathering exemplifies our dedication to empowering our community without imposing unnecessary burdens on our valued members. Together, we maximize the value of each moment, propelling our mission forward and creating a united front for a stronger and prosperous Manitoba.
What You Can Expect at Our Meetings?
1. Warm Welcomes and Introductions:
Our meetings begin with warm smiles and enthusiastic introductions, as new faces join familiar ones. The spirit of camaraderie and shared purpose fills the air, reminding us of the power of coming together as one.
2. Update on Progress:
The leadership team shares the latest developments within our organization. We are elated to report significant growth in our membership numbers, reaffirming our belief in the importance of responsible governance and community empowerment.
3. A Dynamic Guest Speaker:
Each evening we welcome a special guest speaker who speaks to our membership about topics that are of special interest. Their expertise sheds light on critical issues affecting our province, urging us to keep striving for a better tomorrow.
Do you know someone who would be a great guest speaker? Email us with the name and contact information.
4. Open Dialogue and Discussion:
One of the highlights of the evening is the lively and engaging discussion that follows the guest presentation. Members actively share their insights, opinions, and ideas on pressing subjects that demand our attention. Through respectful dialogue, we reinforce the importance of transparent communication and active civic participation. Remember our 60 minute Deadline! If you cannot speak this week, there is always next, and you can contact us by email through the website.
5. Building Solidarity:
Throughout these meetings, the sense of solidarity is encouraged, fuelling our commitment to fostering a united Manitoba. We discovered that, like the bison herds that once roamed freely, our collective strength lies in standing together, unyielding in the face of challenges.
6. Embracing the Road Ahead:
With each meeting you will feel your spirit soar with the knowledge that we are on the right path. Together, we are building a movement that empowers citizens and redefines the political landscape. The journey may be challenging, but we stand unwavering, ready to create a brighter future for our beloved province.
Join Us Next Tuesday, and every Tuesday:
We extend a heartfelt invitation to all citizens who share our vision of responsible governance, community empowerment, and unity. Our Tuesday regular meetings are more than just gatherings; they are catalysts for positive change.
Exciting news at Manitoba Stronger Together!
We have recently added a dynamic "Schedule of Events" section on our homepage (bottom of page), where you can conveniently review and stay updated on our upcoming guest speakers and other important gatherings. This schedule serves as your go-to resource for planning your engagement with our community.
While we are diligently working on optimizing the schedule for mobile devices, we encourage you to view it on a desktop or tablet for the best experience.
Together, we look forward to exploring a multitude of impactful events that unite us in our mission for responsible governance and community empowerment. Mark your calendars, and let's embark on this journey together!
We can also use this schedule to update members on upcoming events that our membership may be participating in.
What Our Logo Means
The logo for Manitoba Stronger Together incorporates elements that symbolize unity, community, and the strength of the bison.
Bison Icon: Is a silhouette of a stylized representation of a bison, symbolizing strength, resilience, and unity. The bison is depicted in a side stance, representing progress and moving together as a community.
The vertical stripes: represent that the movement includes all people from all walks of life, all beliefs and all political affiliations.
The Horizontal Connecting Lines: across the bison represent the connections and interdependence of community members, emphasizing the concept of being stronger together.
Blue Tones: The blue in the logo design represents growth, harmony, and the natural beauty of Manitoba's landscapes.
Dynamic Font: We choose a strong and modern bold font for the organization's name "Manitoba Stronger Together" to convey a sense of confidence and forward-thinking.
Let us continue to unite, ignite our passions, and work towards building a stronger and united Manitoba. Together, we will shape the future we want and deserve.
Keep an eye out for our next meeting announcement, and let us walk this transformative journey as one!