View from the Legislature - Apr. 1, 2016

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Published on Friday, April 1, 2016

By Leanne Rowat

Riding Mountain Constituency MLA

Another session of the legislative assembly has come to a close and with that I am now officially retired from serving as your member of the assembly. It has been a wonderful almost 13 years getting to represent this beautiful part of Manitoba.

I want to thank everyone from this constituency for the support you have shown me over the years, including during the shift of constituencies in 2011. I have enjoyed getting to meet and share stories with many of you, and seeing the positive impact some individuals have on our small communities has been inspirational. 

During my time as an MLA I have been able to work as the critic for a number of diverse portfolios, including Family Services and Housing, Status of Women, Persons with Disabilities, Advanced Education and Training, and Aboriginal and Northern Affairs. Each of these impact the day-to-day lives of Manitobans, and it was humbling to be able to help people through difficult situations in their lives. I have advocated on behalf of the rights of grandparents, supports for children with autism and the reduction of stigma surrounding mental health.  Several of my Private Members Bills passed, including Universal Newborn Hearing Screening Act, Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Act, and Neurofibromatosis Awareness Month Act. 

I also would like to recognize some individuals who have played a huge role in my time as an MLA: Wilf Taylor, former MLAs Harold Gilleshammer, Glen Findlay and Len Derkach along with their families, and all my constituency assistants over the years. Finally, I need to acknowledge my family, especially my parents Jack and Marion, my husband Brad and two kids, Cameron and Mackenzie, for all their love and support from the very start of this.  

As I am now officially retired, I am looking forward to travelling to see my kids and my sister Tracy, and enjoying the occasional glass of wine.