The 18th annual Association of Manitoba Municipalities convention wrapped up in Winnipeg on Wednesday. Portage MLA and Minister of Education and Training Ian Wishart says it was great working with their municipal colleagues on a number of issues. Wishart notes all of the ministers as well as the premier attended the ministerial forum, adding there were good discussions around drainage, infrastructure and the education tax. He says during private meetings with a number of the RMs and towns, they had a chance to talk about some issues specific to each of those municipalities. Wishart notes those types of relationships are invaluable in terms of getting a real feel for everyone's priorities and what needs to be done.

He adds the province is also in a good position to see some improvements in roads around southern Manitoba. Wishart says the biggest message for Portage la Prairie and surrounding areas is that as a new government, the Progressive Conservatives are prepared to work with other levels of government to try and move things forward.