Derek Johnson, Interlake-Gimli

09/03/2026

It was great to meet with the dedicated elected officials and administration from the RM of Fisher. Their hard work, along with the efforts of the CAO and municipal staff, helps keep local government running effectively and ensures residents continue to receive the services they depend on every day.

A significant topic of discussion was the spring flooding event and the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA). While flooding was localized to only a handful of communities, the costs incurred to protect homes, businesses, and infrastructure were very real. Municipalities are often required to make difficult decisions during emergencies, knowing that DFA guidelines expect reasonable efforts to be made to protect property, yet without any certainty that assistance will follow.

Council expressed concern that, despite the Premier personally assisting with sandbagging efforts in a neighbouring community and advance funding being provided elsewhere, there has still been no DFA announcement for affected municipalities. Communities should not be forced to choose between burdening local taxpayers with debt or risking the loss of eligibility for potential assistance.

The RM also continues to advocate for meaningful flood mitigation measures, including upland water storage and other projects that could help reduce the impact of future flooding events and better protect residents and property.

On a positive note, the RM of Fisher is proud to announce that the River Walking Trail has been completed and is already being enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. Projects like this enhance quality of life, promote outdoor recreation, and showcase the natural beauty of the region.

Thank you to Reeve, Council, and administration for the productive discussion and for your continued commitment to the people of the RM of Fisher.

09/03/2026

Have you had your child’s vision checked recently?

Sometimes, there are no obvious signs that a child is having trouble with their vision. They may not complain because they simply think what they see is normal.

That’s why regular eye exams matter.

Today, I visited Oakley in Gimli for Children’s Vision Day and had the opportunity to speak with local doctors and the team about the important role vision plays in a child’s learning, development, and everyday life.

The good news for local families is that eye exams are free for children at Oakley. For kindergarten children who are found to need glasses, there is also support available to help provide glasses at no cost.

To all the parents in Interlake–Gimli: if you can’t remember the last time your child had an eye exam, this could be a good time to book one and make sure they’re seeing their best.

Healthy vision is an important part of helping our kids see, learn, and grow.

Thank you to the Oakley team for the work you do for children and families in our community.

08/25/2026

08/25/2026

I want to wish everyone celebrating a happy and victorious Ukrainian Independence Day!

35 years ago, Ukraine declared its independence from the Soviet Union and under Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, Canada was the first country to recognize it in 1991.

Canada is proud to be home to a vibrant Ukrainian community, and Ukrainians have made an extraordinary contribution to our country.

Since 2014, Canada’s Conservatives have stood with Ukraine unequivocally in their fight against Moscow’s aggression. As Ukrainians celebrate their fifth Independence Day since Putin’s illegal full-scale invasion, they continue to demonstrate extraordinary courage and resilience in defending their homes, their families, and their right to determine their own future.

Conservatives are proud to stand with beautiful Ukraine and the incredibly courageous people who defend it’s independence and fight for freedom, democracy and human rights.

Slava Ukraini!

08/25/2026

A great afternoon of music and local talent at the ROGerKimLee Music Festival.

Here’s a little look at Old Time Fiddle Magic from Sunday’s performances, featuring local talent and showcasing the rich musical traditions that remain such an important part of our communities.

Congratulations to everyone involved in another successful festival. Here’s to many more years of great music, great people, and great memories!

08/24/2026

What an incredible weekend at the ROGerKimLee Music Festival in Eriksdale!

Now in its 6th year, this festival continues to grow and attract visitors from across Canada, with people attending from New Brunswick to British Columbia. It was amazing to see so many people come together to celebrate music, community, and culture right here in the Interlake.

The talent on display was outstanding. From folk and fiddle music to rock, blues, country, and everything in between, there truly was something for everyone. The performers showcased incredible skill and passion, keeping audiences entertained throughout the weekend.

Events like this don’t happen without the dedication of countless volunteers, organizers, sponsors, vendors, and community supporters. Thank you for the many hours of planning, fundraising, setup, and behind-the-scenes work that make this festival possible year after year. Your commitment continues to turn a great idea into a signature event that grows stronger with every season.

The Makers Market, workshops, family activities, food vendors, and beer garden all added to an atmosphere that was welcoming, vibrant, and uniquely Interlake. It was wonderful to see old friends reconnect, new friendships formed, and visitors experience the hospitality our region is known for.

Congratulations to everyone involved on another successful festival. Here’s to many more years of great music, great people, and great memories at the ROGerKimLee Music Festival!

08/21/2026

08/17/2026

What a privilege to attend the 50th Anniversary of the Ashern Pioneer Museum and Threshing Day, and to present a commemorative plaque recognizing five decades of preserving the history of our region.

One of the highlights of the day was watching traditional threshing in action, with a McCormick-Deering WK-40 tractor powering the threshing machine by a long drive belt, just as it was done generations ago. Seeing this equipment operating reminds us of the hard work, ingenuity, and determination that built our communities. It is history you can see, hear, and experience firsthand.

The Ashern Pioneer Museum began with the preservation of the old CNR railway station and has grown over the years into an impressive collection of heritage buildings and artifacts. Today, visitors can explore the former railway station, St. Michael’s Anglican Church, the Darwin School, a log house, post office, municipal office, and an extensive collection of farm machinery and local memorabilia that tell the story of settlement and life in the Interlake.

What makes this museum truly special is the people behind it. Some volunteers have dedicated an incredible 45 of the museum’s 50 years to preserving our heritage. Their commitment has ensured that future generations can learn where they came from and appreciate the sacrifices and achievements of those who came before us.

If we do not preserve places like this, memories fade and history can be lost. Museums are more than collections of artifacts, they are the keepers of our stories, our traditions, and our identity.

Thank you to all of the volunteers, board members, donors, sponsors, and supporters who have made the Ashern Pioneer Museum a success for the past 50 years and who continue to keep this important piece of our history alive. Congratulations on this remarkable milestone, and here’s to many more years of preserving the past for future generations.