Federal Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon says ‘Canadians are rightly fed up’ – and he’s sending the labour dispute between Canada Post and the union for its striking workers to the Canada Industrial Relations Board. He says if the board determines the two sides are at an impasse – it’s been directed to order members back to work under the existing collective agreement until next May. The strike has lasted more than four weeks.
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The province is now moving to monitor and contain the spread of zebra mussels in the Assiniboine River after dead larvae samples were found at the Brandon Generating Station. Live mussels were found in Clear Lake in 2023 – and that prompted a watercraft ban last summer. Zebra mussels can destroy aquatic ecosystems.
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In response to U-S president elect Donald Trump’s tariff threat, Manitoba will pay overtime for RCMP officers to patrol the border, and will deploy conservation officers to help. The plan also calls for increased inspections
of transport trucks, and the use of drones.
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Canada Border Services reports that crossings through Manitoba were up this year – and so were seizures of guns and illegal drugs and tobacco. One of the biggest busts was at the Boissevain crossing last winter. Agents seized
406 kilos of methamphetamine. There are 169 active border services officers across Manitoba.
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The Brandon Teachers Association highlighted some of the challenges Brandon schools are facing at a trustees meeting this week. The division has seen an influx of 645 students in two years, and the association says this has created overcrowding which has negatively impacted learning. Budget discussions start in a few weeks.
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A two-month break on the GST begins tomorrow, but the tax holiday has not benefited the Trudeau Liberals when it comes to voter support. A recent poll puts Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives comfortably in majority territory at 42%. The Liberals sit at 23% – with the NDP at 21%.
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With the Canadian Dollar hovering around 70-cents U-S in recent weeks – a survey has found a majority of Canadians, almost 80%, plan to cut back on vacation spending. They say the cost of international travel: the plane tickets, lodging, and gas – is too expensive. The priority now is to manage day-to-day expenses.
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Health Canada is recalling certain candles due to fire hazards. The affected products are Maison Lavande candles in a ceramic container that are sold in four scents. The agency says the candle flames can reach abnormally high levels, which can lead to fire, property damage and personal injury.
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The hottest Christmas gifts this year are not ties, perfume or sweaters – but rather…experiences. A study has found the gift of a unique experience is winning out over traditional presents – and these can include a night of axe-throwing, or classes on how to make a variety of cocktails. The experience gift will apparently leave your loved one with a fonder memory of you.
