Monday News at a glance:
✅ Strong growth in Manitoba trades training
✅ Successful first-ever Wheat City Fall Festival
✅ Record Terry Fox Run participation in Brandon
✅ Farm and Food Awareness Week underway
✅ Alberta referendum debate gaining momentum
✅ Potash trade concerns for Western Canada
✅ Summer officially ends today
✅ EV technology continues to advance
✅ Jets back in action tonight
🔨 Manitoba Trades Workforce Reaches New High
Manitoba is reporting major gains in skilled trades development, with the highest number of journeyperson certifications seen in five years.
The province says a $7.2 million investment in apprenticeship training is paying dividends, helping more Manitobans enter the trades. Apprentices working on major public construction projects have also logged more than double the targeted training hours, while employer participation and technical training enrolment continue to grow.
🎡 Wheat City Fall Festival Draws Thousands
The inaugural Wheat City Fall Festival wrapped up at Brandon’s Keystone Centre this weekend after attracting thousands of visitors.
Families enjoyed midway rides, live entertainment, food trucks and community activities throughout the event. Organizers say the festival achieved its goal of highlighting local businesses and organizations and are already planning an expanded version for next year.
🏃 Record Turnout for Brandon Terry Fox Run
A record crowd of approximately 250 participants gathered at Brandon University on Sunday for the annual Terry Fox Run.
The event raised more than $13,000 for cancer research. Organizers point to growing community support and a strong increase in youth participation as key drivers behind the fundraiser’s success.
🚜 Farm and Food Awareness Week Begins
Farm and Food Awareness Week is officially underway across Manitoba.
The week celebrates the farmers, producers and food workers who keep food moving from the field to consumers’ tables. A major highlight will be Local Food Day on September 23, encouraging Manitobans to support locally grown and produced food.
🗳️ Alberta Separation Debate Heats Up
Political discussion surrounding Alberta’s role within Confederation is expected to intensify ahead of a referendum question next month.
Voters will determine whether the province should pursue a referendum on leaving Canada. Supporters and opponents remain active on the campaign trail, while Premier Danielle Smith is scheduled to participate in a virtual conference with former Reform Party leader Preston Manning focused on separation issues.
🚨 Montreal Considers Fines for Insulting Officials
A proposed Montreal bylaw could introduce penalties for residents who insult, harass or intimidate municipal employees, including police officers.
City council will debate the measure this week. Proposed penalties range from $300 to $1,000 for a first offence, with higher fines for repeat violations. The proposal has already sparked discussion about workplace safety and freedom of expression.
🧂 U.S. Eyes Belarus Potash Deal
The U.S.-Canada trade dispute has taken another turn.
President Donald Trump says Washington is working on an agreement to purchase potash from Belarus instead of Canada, calling the move “very good news” for American farmers and ranchers.
The development could have significant implications for Saskatchewan producers. Canada currently supplies more than 80 percent of the potash used by U.S. agriculture and accounts for nearly half of all Canadian potash exports.
🌍 U.S. and Iran Tensions Show Signs of Escalation
Relations between the United States and Iran appear to be entering another period of heightened tension.
Reports suggest President Trump is considering additional military options while continuing to pressure Tehran toward a negotiated agreement. Despite increasingly sharp rhetoric from both sides, there are currently no reports indicating plans for an imminent American ground invasion.
🦠 Congo Ebola Outbreak Reaches Alarming Scale
The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has become the second-largest ever recorded.
Since being declared in May 2026, the outbreak has resulted in approximately 7,500 confirmed cases and more than 3,600 deaths. Health officials report that roughly 52 percent of patients survive, emphasizing that early diagnosis and treatment remain critical.
🍂 Summer Ends Today
Enjoy the final official day of summer.
The autumn equinox arrives tomorrow, marking the beginning of fall across the Northern Hemisphere. The seasonal transition brings cooler temperatures, shorter daylight hours and the start of the countdown toward winter.
🛶 Researchers Investigate Potential Noah’s Ark Site
Excitement is growing in Turkey after researchers reported finding tunnel-like structures and unusual soil signatures beneath a massive boat-shaped formation near Mount Ararat.
Scientists are planning further testing, but caution that there is currently no proof the site is Noah’s Ark. Many geologists continue to maintain the formation is a naturally occurring rock structure.
⚡ EV Range Anxiety Continues to Decline
Electric vehicle technology continues to impress drivers and researchers alike.
CAA’s latest EV road test found all 22 vehicles completed a 230-kilometre route without requiring a recharge. Researchers say range anxiety is becoming less of a concern, while differences in charging speed, efficiency and operating costs are now emerging as more important factors for buyers.
Most vehicles tested consumed energy equivalent to roughly two litres of fuel per 100 kilometres. Read more on CAA’s EV report here.
🏒 Protests, Goals and Jets Pre-Season Action
Dozens of protesters gathered outside Saturday’s Oilers-Jets pre-season game, renewing calls for Edmonton to reverse the signing of Alex Formenton following the acquittal of him and four former World Junior teammates in last year’s sexual assault case.
On the ice, Formenton scored on a breakaway as Edmonton defeated Winnipeg 5-2.
The Jets continue their pre-season schedule tonight against Colorado, still seeking their first exhibition victory. There is no word yet on whether goaltender Connor Hellebuyck has reported to the club.
