Senator Flordeliz “Gigi” Osler visited the City of Steinbach today to engage with its thriving community. She was accompanied by parliamentary assistant Venus Ramos and Barangay Canada co-founder Kris Ontong, who served as the local contact and organizer.
Arriving at City Hall, the Senator began her day with a meeting with Mayor Earl Funk, Deputy Mayor Michael Zwaagstra, and Councilor Jake Hiebert. Steinbach MLA and former premier Kelvin Goertzen was also present to welcome her and join the subsequent discussion that revolved around the city’s economic success, newcomer integration, health care, and the temporary foreign worker program.
Following the meeting, the Senator of Indian and Filipino heritage toured several newcomer-owned businesses to hear their success stories and address any concerns where she could offer support in the Senate. The businesses she visited included JEEPZ Asian Fusion Store, Bhebeh Tea Bubble Tea Shop, The Indian Spice Club, and CDO Oriental Store. She also visited Barkman Concrete, where she toured their automated production plant and spoke with company executives and long-time newcomer employees who have advanced to key roles within the company.
Her final stop was at Steinbach Bowling Alley and Bistro, where she met with co-owners Rosalita and Rommel Gallego, the latter being a former president of the local Filipino association. Abram Razon, commissioner of the Prairie Basketball League, was also present to chat about the success of their sports organization.
As her visit concluded, Senator Osler commended Steinbach for its warm and welcoming community and expressed gratitude for the valuable insights she gained. She plans to share these insights with her Senate colleagues when sessions resume in mid-September.
Appointed to the Senate in September 2022, Senator Osler is an accomplished surgeon and a prominent advocate for health and equity in Canada. With a background in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, she has held several influential roles, including the presidency of the Canadian Medical Association (CMA), where she was the first woman of color and the first female surgeon to hold this position. The Senator has been recognized for her work in promoting diversity and inclusion within the medical community and has received numerous awards, such as the University of Manitoba Distinguished Alumni Award and a spot on WXN Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women list.