New leadership brings new energy — and new opportunity to build the relationships that make a real difference for communities.

It was a privilege to sit down with Wasagamack First Nation’s newest Chief and Council while in Ottawa this summer — followed by a meeting with leaders from the broader Anisininew Okimawin Nations to discuss shared priorities, strengthening services, supporting community needs, and creating economic opportunities.

Wasagamack Anisininew Nation is a community I hold close. Earlier this year, I stood in Wasagamack to announce $49.7 million in broadband connectivity funding — one of the most significant infrastructure investments in the community’s history. That announcement was just the beginning of what I hope will be a deepened and sustained partnership between this office and Wasagamack’s leadership.

Meeting Chief Jerry Knott and Councillor Dustin Knott and the entire Council in Ottawa was an opportunity to hear directly about the priorities that will guide their term — and to make clear that this office is a partner in advancing those priorities at the federal level.

Thank you to Grand Chief McDougall and the Anisininew Okimawin leaders who joined for the opportunity to continue building these important relationships. The conversations we have in Ottawa shape the advocacy we bring to every federal file — from housing to healthcare to economic development — on behalf of these communities.

Congratulations to Chief Jerry Knott, Councillor Dustin Knott, and the entire Wasagamack Council. Churchill–Keewatinook Aski is behind you.

On May 14, 2026, I stood in Wasagamack Anisininew Nation — deep in the heart of the Island Lakes region — and made an announcement that this community has been waiting a long time to hear.

The Government of Canada is investing $49,700,612 to bring high-speed broadband internet to Wasagamack and its neighbouring Anisininew Nations — Garden Hill, St. Theresa Point, and Red Sucker Lake.

For communities where a dropped connection has meant a missed doctor’s appointment, an interrupted online class, or a lost job opportunity — this changes everything.

Reliable internet is not a luxury. It is infrastructure — as essential as roads and running water. A student in Wasagamack deserves the same ability to learn online as a student in Winnipeg. An Elder in Garden Hill deserves to video call their doctor without driving hours to a clinic. A young entrepreneur in St. Theresa Point deserves to build a business right here at home.

I was joined on this day by Grand Chief Alex McDougall of the Anisininew Okimawin Grand Council and Chief Walter Harper of Wasagamack Anisininew Nation — two leaders who have carried this priority with patience and determination for years. This announcement belongs to them and to their communities.

The digital divide in northern Manitoba is closing. And we are just getting started. 💙

Miigwech · Kinana’skomitin · Pidamaya ye · Mahsi cho · Nakurmiik · Merci · Thank you