Premier Selinger addresses Winnipeg's business leaders.

I had the privilege of sitting at the press table yesterday for the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce annual State of the Province Address. It is an annual event where the Premier of Manitoba speaks to leaders of Winnipeg's business community.

It was a great experience to see so many well known Winnipegers all in one room. At the head table alone was Premier Greg Selinger, Winnipeg Blue Bomber president Jim Bell and Bomber head coach Paul Lapolice. I was lucky enough to get an interview with Paul Lapolice. As most of the media scrummed with Greg Selinger, I noticed Lapolice standing alone and I asked him his thoughts on the new stadium. 



"The stadium allows us to be in a situation where athletes want to live here all year long and free agents are going to want to stay," said Lapolice, "It will also help on the revenue front because were going to have the best facilities in the CFL."

Greg Selinger's speech seemed to be split into two parts- the good news and the bad news. He began by referring to Winnipeg's many ongoing and completed construction projects such as the new airport, The Museum for Human Rights, and the new stadium "We've accomplished alot together." said Selinger.

His speech also gave the cold reality that last years flooding will effect this year bottom line and raise the deficit. He called 2011 "The year of the flood" and said "The bill is coming in" He also said the deficit this year will be "significantly larger."

Selinger ended the speech on the positive saying that "I believe that there are many great things we can do together as we build the assets of this province."

 

Thank you to Duncan Mcmonagle and The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce for allowing me to take part in this great event.