We could be heading to the polls in a federal election either April 28th or May 5th. Prime Minister Mark Carney will reportedly ask the Governor General to dissolve Parliament on Sunday, kicking off a 36 to 50 day campaign. If a vote were to take place now, the Liberals could secure 176 seats to the Conservatives 133.
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U-S tariffs on Canadian exports are expected to be factored-in today when the Manitoba NDP delivers its 2025 budget, Premier Wab Kinew has already said his government will lay out two financial scenarios, one with tariffs and one without – and the second option will include supports for the economy and businesses.
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There’s a report the provincial budget will include an announcement that two new schools will be built in Brandon. According to the Brandon Sun, one will open in the city’s southwest in 2027 – and a French-language school will be completed by 2028. Most schools in Brandon are at capacity.
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Energy sector CEO’s want the leaders of Canada’s political parties to declare an energy crisis and use emergency powers to speed up developing projects in the ‘national interest’. The CEO’s of 10 of the largest oil and natural gas companies, and the four largest pipeline companies, outlined their plan in a letter to politicians. It calls for new gas and oil pipelines and removing the federal cap on emissions.
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Despite many residents wanting an overpass at Highway 1 and 5 near Carberry, the province has reportedly pulled that idea off the table. The town’s mayor told the Brandon Sun, the government’s preferred idea is an RCUT – a Restricted Crossing U-Turn that directs drivers to turn onto a main road and make a U-turn at a one-way median. In 2023, a crash between a minibus and a semi killed 17 people at that intersection.
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The effort to rid Manitoba of wild pigs had a successful year in 2024 – over 200 animals were removed. Wild pigs are an invasive species that damage crops and native vegetation – and compete with wildlife. Manitoba ‘Squeal on Pigs’ program says Spruce Woods is hotspot for the animals in Westman.
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If you looking for Manitoba and Canadian grown vegetables to support local businesses, they’re becoming scarce. Peak of the Market says at this time of year, they transition to produce from other countries as local veggies run out ahead of the growing season. Potatoes are the only fresh Canadian produce available year-round because they store well.
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Today is the ‘International Day of Happiness’. Created in 2012 by the United Nations, the day recognizes that “happiness as a fundamental human goal.” To that end, the UN calls for “a more inclusive, equitable and balanced
approach to economic growth that promotes the happiness and well-being of all peoples.”