Spring is one of my favourite times of the year. Winter is over and our great community comes alive with many exciting events. I had the opportunity in recent weeks to take part in many of them.

I was pleased to join the community in celebrating the Grand Opening of South Hill’s new YMCA Explore ‘N’ Learn Childcare Centre this past week. The daycare was made possible through hard work by the YMCA and an investment from our government of more than $300,000. The grand opening was exactly one year to the day that Education Minister Ken Krawetz announced 1,000 more child care spaces across Saskatchewan. By the end of the 2010-11 budget year, there will be approximately 11,650 licensed child care spaces in Saskatchewan, an increase of 2,900 since November 2007.

I was also very honoured to be a part of the opening ceremonies for the Intensive Care Unit at the Moose Jaw Union Hospital. The expansion, renovation and equipment upgrades quality of care for patients. Our government is proud of the joint effort of so many people in the health care system and in the community – your dedication and hard work will help provide peace of mind for people with loved ones who need more in-depth care.
The Snowbirds Acceptance show as part of their 40th anniversary season left me in awe. The Snowbirds completed a perfect performance made up of impressive maneuvers and formations that delighted the large crowd at 15 Wing Moose Jaw. The acceptance show brought military leadership, the military community, family and friends who cheered on our pilots. I would like to wish our pilots good luck before they all hit the road to perform 54 shows across North America.

The following was read in the Legislative Assembly on Wednesday April 28th by Warren Michelson MLA for Moose Jaw North:

“Thank you Mr. Speaker:

I was pleased to be in Moose Jaw this morning along with the Lieutenant Governor and my colleague from Moose Jaw Wakamow to bring greetings in celebration of the 100th anniversary of Central Collegiate Institute in my hometown of Moose Jaw.
This high school has done so much for the community. 100 years is certainly an incredible milestone. The longevity of Central Collegiate is linked to the longevity of this province.
Many of Central Collegiate ‘s alumni have gone on to do so much for the province of Saskatchewan, Canada and the world.
Lloyd Probert, a retired ophthalmologist is Moose Jaw, graduated from this fine institution in 1939. He described the Central Collegiate centennial as being a “family affair in the Moose Jaw Times Herald.
While Mr. Probert was likely referring to the fact that his siblings and children also attended Central Collegiate, I’d like to think of Central Collegiate as one big family a family that has been with us throughout the history of Saskatchewan.
There’s also the example of Robin Broadway, who graduated from Central Collegiate in 1960, and then went on to become a Rhodes Scholar in 1964.
Just recently he was awarded the Order of Canada due to his impact on public policy through over 30 years of research in economics at Queen’s University.
Mr. Speaker, I ask that this house join me in congratulating the staff and students, both past and present, at Central Collegiate Institute on their centennial celebration.”

I take great pride in calling Moose Jaw home. Again and again, the residents of our great city do all of us proud. Their generous nature could be seen again this week.

This past week, the Moose Jaw Health Foundation presented the largest ever donation to the Five Hills Health Region this week - $1,175,834! The dedication and fundraising efforts of volunteers, groups, organizations, the Family First Radiothon and the Health Foundation, made this incredible accomplishment possible. The giving nature of Saskatchewan people never ceases to amaze.

Our Health Foundation was also busy presenting their Healthcare Philanthropy Awards. Congratulations to the four local groups who were recognized for their unwavering fundraising efforts – The Mosaic Concert of Hope, The Cause for a Walk, Casino Moose Jaw and McDonalds.

The 76th annual Saskatchewan theatre competition was also held in Moose Jaw this past week. Over 100 talented local performers made TheatreFest come to life, making audiences laugh and cry – between 800 to 1,000 spectators enjoyed the various theatrical plays and performances. Congratulations to all participates for making the show a huge success and special thanks to the Moose Jaw Community Players for their work hosting this prestigious festival.