Manitoba Expands Early Childhood Education Training
The Manitoba government is investing more than $14 million, with federal support, to expand and sustain college training seats for early childhood educators.
Funding includes programs at Assiniboine College, as the province works to grow and better support the ECE workforce.
Applications to education programs are up across Manitoba, following changes to program entry requirements. Westman school divisions, including Brandon and surrounding rural areas, are closely watching the impact, hopeful the move will ease long‑standing staffing shortages.
More details available here.
Applications to Education Programs Rise Across Manitoba
Applications to university education programs are climbing across Manitoba after the province removed the long‑standing requirement for major and minor “teachables.” The change has opened the door for more students to qualify for admission, and universities are already expanding capacity to meet the demand.
School divisions in Westman — including Brandon, Rolling River, and Southwest Horizon — are watching the trend closely. After years of persistent staffing shortages, especially in rural communities, administrators are hopeful the broader eligibility will help strengthen the pipeline of future teachers.
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Calls to Fast‑Track Online Harms Legislation
Concerns over AI chatbots and gaming platforms are front and centre as children’s advocates push Ottawa to speed up online harms legislation.
Advocates rallied on Parliament Hill Monday, warning that youth safety is increasingly at risk and urging quick federal action.
River Levels Rising in the Interlake
The Hydro‑logic Forecast Centre says warmer temperatures and spring meltwater are pushing river levels higher on the Icelandic and Fisher Rivers.
No flood alerts have been issued yet, but the centre expects continued increases across the Interlake region as runoff continues moving through the system.
Rogers Offering Voluntary Buyouts
Rogers Communications is offering voluntary buyouts to roughly half of its 25,000‑person workforce, signaling a major restructuring at the broadcasting giant.
The company says there will be no involuntary layoffs, and the changes do not affect unionized employees or parts of its sports media operations, reflecting a broader slowdown in growth.
Canadians Traveling More — Just Not to the U.S.
Canadians are travelling more overall, but fewer are heading south of the border.
Statistics Canada reports March marked the 14th consecutive month of declining Canadian travel to the United States. Meanwhile, overseas travel was up nine per cent in 2025.
The downturn in U.S. visits began shortly after President Donald Trump threatened sweeping tariffs on Canada and suggested the country should become the 51st state.
Manitoba Housing Construction Outpacing National Growth
The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation reports Manitoba’s urban housing starts are up 16.1 per cent year‑to‑date, reaching 1,581 units by March.
The steady pace of construction is being closely tracked by Westman builders and municipalities. Nationally, housing starts rose to just over 16,000 units in March — slower growth than Manitoba is seeing.
Water Services Board Reorganization
The province is reorganizing the Manitoba Water Services Board in an effort to speed up approvals for water and wastewater infrastructure projects.
Brandon is among the regions highlighted in the announcement, reflecting ongoing local infrastructure needs and long‑term planning priorities.
Canada Launches Sovereign Wealth Fund
Prime Minister Mark Carney has unveiled Canada’s first sovereign wealth fund, a $25‑billion investment vehicle aimed at major industrial projects in energy, infrastructure, mining, agriculture and technology.
The model mirrors long‑standing funds in countries such as Norway and several Gulf states.
Royal Visit to the United States
Internationally, King Charles and Queen Camilla continue their first U.S. visit since the King’s coronation.
Following a meeting with President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, the King is set to address both houses of Congress today, ahead of a state banquet at the White House tonight.
