A second state of emergency has been declared in Manitoba due to wildfires. Premier Wab Kinew says it was called to allow for more access to facilities to shelter the large number of Manitobans being forced from their homes. This has been the worst wildfire season in terms of hectares burned in the last 30 years. Right now, there are 105 active wildfires.
———-
Constructing an overpass for the intersection of the Trans-Canada and Highway 5, the site of a deadly bus crash in 2023, is back on the table. It’s what local residents have wanted all along, saying its the best safety option. The Transportation Department had said there was not enough traffic for an overpass and proposed a ‘restricted crossing u-turn’ (RCUT) – but that design was withdrawn this week because of local opposition.
———-
The Manitoba government is renewing its contract with Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service, better known as STARS. The 10-year contract is valued at roughly $84-million. STARS operates an Airbus helicopter equipped as a mobile intensive care unit, and last year they flew over 12-hundred missions in Manitoba.
———-
Canadian auto dealers will find out today how the federal government plans to reimburse them for unclaimed electric vehicle rebates. Ottawa paused the incentives back in January after funding ran out forcing dealers to eat the cost of any claims they hadn’t yet submitted; about $11-million worth.
———-
Spruce Woods Housing Co-op in Brandon is receiving half-a-million dollars from the Manitoba government. The money will be used for repairs and maintenance at the 81-unit facility on Braecrest Drive, and will help keep
rents affordable.
———-
Manitoba’s Independent Investigation Unit is looking into the shooting of a dog on Swan Lake First Nation. A First Nation’s Police Officer fatally shot the animal after he was allegedly bitten by the dog while attempting to make an arrest and a home last month.
———-
There was a surprise surge in hiring last month – the economy added 83,000 jobs in June mostly in part-time work. Statistics Canada says as a result, the unemployment rate dropped slightly to 6.9%. One area that saw gains, despite Canada’s tariff battle with the U-S, was the manufacturing sector.
———-
Prime Minister Mark Carney says the Canadian government will “steadfastly” defend workers and businesses following the latest trade threats by Donald Trump. The American president has threatened to impose 35% tariffs on all Canadian goods by August 1st.
