Besides making several announcements while in Swan River on Thursday, Premier Wab Kinew also took the opportunity to tour the Louisiana-Pacific plant near Minitonas.
Kinew said he was particularly looking forward to talking to some of the workers at the plant.
"I want to see how things are going for them. Of course, there are industry-specific issues, but every time I am in a location like that, I also want to see how it is going in regards to putting food on the table, how it is going with health care, how is it going with their kids and grandkids in school, and of course, public safety is a top priority."
Pine Creek First Nation is calling for a halt of Louisiana-Pacific's logging on their traditional lands, including Duck Mountain Provincial Park and forest.
Together with the Wuskwi Sipihk and Sapotaweyak Cree nation, an opposition to the continued logging of Treaty 4 could move to a provincial court case, aimed at both Louisiana-Pacific and the province.
Kinew said he could not comment on the possible court proceedings, but he did stress that Louisiana-Pacific is an important source of jobs to the Swan River Valley.
" When you think about the challenges that our province faces, think about the big picture, and think about them in every region, including here in the Swan Valley. Health care, the economy, public safety, addictions, reconciliation, and we can keep adding to this list. Some part of the solution for each and every one of those challenges we face has to be jobs."
