💼 Canada’s Job Market Stumbles
Canada’s labour market shed 68,000 jobs in September, pushing the national unemployment rate up to 6.5 per cent.
Young workers accounted for most of the losses, with job cuts spread across both full-time and part-time positions, particularly in the public sector.
⚖️ Neelin High School Sword Attack Trial Continues
The trial of a teen accused in the Neelin High School sword attack heard evidence that he researched school massacres, referred to immigrants as “invaders” and envisioned being fatally shot by police.
The accused has pleaded not guilty. The trial is scheduled to resume in June.
🚨 Brandon Police Arrest Suspect After Teen Chased
Brandon police arrested a man after a teenage girl reported being chased by a knife-wielding suspect while walking home from school Wednesday.
The youth escaped unharmed and later helped officers locate the suspect near Louise Avenue. Police say the man was taken to hospital due to severe drug intoxication before being returned to custody pending a court appearance.
🗳️ Ward 5 Election Race Takes Shape
Incumbent Councillor Greg Hildebrand is seeking a second term in Brandon’s Ward 5 and will face businessman Bhavesh Patel in the upcoming municipal election.
Both candidates cite public safety as a top concern, though they differ on how quickly Brandon should move ahead with e-scooter regulations.
🛢️ Manitoba Oil Industry Posts Strong Year
Manitoba’s oil sector continued to grow in 2025, with production rising roughly three per cent to 2.38 million cubic metres.
The value of oil sold surpassed $1.18 billion, while the province issued 206 drilling licences and saw 173 new wells drilled. More than 4,000 wells remain in active production across Manitoba.
⛽ Gas Tax Pause Benefits Higher-Income Households More
A new report from the Parliamentary Budget Officer says the federal fuel tax pause is saving the average Canadian household about $276 annually.
However, the largest savings are going to higher-income families. Lower-income households are expected to receive about half the average benefit as Ottawa extends the tax break through 2027.
🌎 Oil and Gas Emissions Fall Despite Record Output
Canada’s oil and gas industry reduced emissions in 2025 even as production reached record levels, according to a new report.
National emissions still increased by about one per cent overall, driven largely by greater natural gas use and a colder-than-average winter.
🔥 New Heat Pump Rebate Program Coming in 2027
Canada’s HVAC industry is welcoming a new federal heat pump rebate program expected to launch early next year.
Ottawa is committing $2 billion over eight years with a goal of retrofitting one million homes and helping homeowners replace aging heating systems.
🦃 Thanksgiving Could Signal Higher Food Prices
Economists warn this Thanksgiving weekend may offer a glimpse of rising food costs ahead as higher diesel prices push up transportation expenses.
Experts say consumers could face increased prices on imported produce in the months ahead, with many households adjusting holiday meal plans to cope with inflation.
🛍️ Canadians Pull Back on Holiday Spending
Canadians are expected to spend less this holiday season, with average spending projected at just under $1,500 per household.
That’s down 11 per cent from last year. Despite tighter budgets, more consumers say they’re willing to spend extra when purchasing Canadian-made products.
🏛️ Rare Cooperation on Parliament Hill
In an unusual show of bipartisan support, Conservatives joined Liberals in sending Bill C-39 to a special committee for further study.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre says he wants faster project approvals and stronger protections for workers before the legislation moves forward.
🌾 Demand Surges for Farmer Mental Health Supports
The Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program is on track for a record year, providing an estimated 570 counselling sessions by the end of August.
Program officials say increased awareness, reduced mental health stigma and ongoing pressures facing farm families are contributing to growing demand for the free service.
👵 Canada’s Population Continues to Age
Statistics Canada says one in five Canadians is now 65 years of age or older.
The country’s median age has reached 40.9 years, meaning half of Canadians are older than that age and half are younger.
🎃 Haunted Forest Returns Near Rivers
The popular Haunted Forest attraction near Rivers returns on October 15, offering both family-friendly and full-scare experiences for Halloween enthusiasts.
Organizers say proceeds support CancerCare Manitoba, the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba and the Riverdale Harvest Food Bank. Gates open nightly at 7:30 p.m.
📚 Nobel Prize in Literature Goes to Canadian Author
The Nobel Prize in Literature is heading to Canada after acclaimed poet and author Anne Carson was named this year’s winner.
Carson is renowned for blending classical themes with modern storytelling, particularly in her celebrated work Autobiography of Red, a contemporary reimagining of the Hercules myth.
