SEEC History

South East Equity Coalition History:

South East Equity Coalition (SEEC) began as a dream in 2018 when three passionate, compassionate people, Hank Klassen, Dennis Coley and Gay Boese got together and discussed the value of a coalition. It became a reality with our first meeting in 2019 confirming that a unified voice would be able to do more to address poverty and make a difference in South East Manitoba. Our shared vision of equity for all and a determination to identify upstream, long term, systemic ways solidified the coalition.

The top three needs were identified as affordable, safe housing, public transportation and a unified voice through coordination and communication. Working groups were created to begin working on transit and coordination. A survey to determine actual needs was considered.

Early in 2020, the first meeting with Mayor Earl Funk regarding public transit happened, and we encouraged and supported the resource networking group run by Youth For Christ and Steinbach Family Resource Centre.

Then COVID hit and the coalition paused as so many of our members worked to assist people as they coped with the disease and the isolation.

In 2020 we met once, via zoom, adding basic livable income to our priorities, and began the task of determining a name, vision and mission for the coalition. We became the South East Equity Coalition (SEEC) in 2023 adopting our current vision and mission. A formal leadership team was created in 2025.

Public Transit became our focus in 2023 as we developed a survey to determine the need for transit in Steinbach. Over 1300 surveys were circulated with 751 being returned confirming the overwhelming need for public transit in the area. Pat Porter Active Living Centre was identified as a possible manager of a transit system, business and sponsorship plans were developed, and a second survey was conducted at Summer in the City in 2025. Over 1200 positive responses confirmed the overwhelming support for transit. LINK Transit was selected as the name for public transit in Steinbach and a logo contest was launched at the 2025 Summer in the City booth. The transit working group made three presentations to city council in 2024 and 2025 and there have been many meetings with the mayor and deputy mayor over the past five years. Progress is slow. Our determination is strong.

Beginning in 2023, two speakers and a video increased our understanding of Basic Livable Income (BLI) and the impact it could have - Sid Frankel, U of M; Senator Kim Pate; and “A Human Picture”. We continue to explore ties with Make Poverty History MB, Basic Income Manitoba, Tamarack and others attempting to create a unified voice, and offering support as we signed letters re MB Poverty Reduction Strategy and Senate bill C206. We also adopted our own Basic Livable Income Statement in 2025.

Communication and coordination are crucial to the coalition. Networking lunches began again in 2025 and an ongoing list of services in the area is available. MB211 is a wonderful resource for access to services. They made a presentation for us in 2025, and at every SEEC meeting we take time to share happenings, resources and concerns. Support for one another is significant.

The first Benefits Clinc happened June 2024. These enable anyone to obtain ID, apply for benefits, etc., all in one place. We are now planning two/year. Although we do not have a housing working group, it is on the table at every SEEC meeting, and we offer support as we can.

SEEC became a member of Tamarack in 2024 and we are associated with Make Poverty History MB.

Together we can do more than on our own! The work continues . . . . .