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If you have a policy with Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI), you may get a rebate cheque.

Crown Services Minister Jeff Wharton made the announcement today that MPI is returning up to $110 million to its policyholders.

The rebate amount will depend on how much you paid last year, and the average policyholder can expect between $140 and $160, according to the Minister.

We are still waiting on more details, but rebate cheques could be coming at the end of May or early-June.

The rebate is a result of fewer claims during this COVID period. As of mid-April, MPI notes claims are down 48 percent, compared to the same month a year ago.

More details about the rebate will be available in the coming weeks. More information can be found on the MPI website.

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It’s a promising sign from our next-door neighbours.

Today Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe revealed the details of the province’s plan to reopen its economy and services.

The plan will happen in 5 stages, beginning on May 4th.

The first phase will involve the reopening of medical services, like dentists, optometry, physical therapy, and chiropractic treatments.

Outdoor activities deemed to be low-risk will also be allowed during the first phase of reopening. On May 4th, fishing and boat launches will be permitted.

The limit on public gatherings will still be capped at 10 people.

Moe says restriction will be gradually lifted over the following weeks, and more types of businesses will be allowed to reopen, if they choose.

Saskatchewan's 2nd phase of reopening will begin on May 19th, which will see businesses like clothing stores, hairdressers, and massage therapists cleared to reopen.

Here in Manitoba, Premier Brian Pallister says the government will unveil plans to begin easing social distancing measures. We'll have to wait until next week to find out more details about Manitoba’s reopening plan.

Manitoba's chief public health officer Dr. Brent Roussin says the reopening of Manitoba's economy could look similar to Saskatchewan's plan.

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The Manitoba RCMP received 101 calls related to COVID-19 from April 14-20. The majority of calls were reports of ten or more people gathering at a location and not respecting the orders in place under the Public Health Act.

This is a rather drastic increase from their first report. From April 8-13, the Manitoba RCMP received 64 calls.

"I think the numbers show that people are taking precautions seriously and we don't want the people that aren't to cause greater grief in communities."

47 of the calls were in the West District which includes Dauphin and area. This is compared to just 12 calls that were received in the West District from April 8-13. That means in two weeks, 59 calls have been received by the RCMP in the West District.

"That number suggests that people are taking this seriously," continued Manaigre. 

There have also now been some fines handed out. Officers responded to a house party in The Pas back on April 19.

A 43-year-old female, a 26-year-old male, and a 25-year-old female were charged with Failing to Comply with a Provincial Emergency Order under the Emergency Measures Act and they all received a $486 ticket.

"If we respond to a call, normally the individuals in the house understand and they remove themselves from the home," concluded Manaigre. "That wasn't the case here because they didn't want to leave. As a result, they were fined."

Manitobans living outside of Winnipeg are reminded not to call 911 for COVID-19 related issues. Reports of non-compliance can be made to the Manitoba Government Inquiry line at 1-866-626-4862.

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Another music festival is making creative changes to stay connected.

The Harvest Sun Festival 2020 in Kelwood has been cancelled due to social distancing orders.

The family-operated festival was designed to bring exposure to Manitoban artists, growers, and makers through music, and this would’ve been their 15th year running.

Director of the Harvest Sun Music Festival, Nadia Kuhl says that they will continue to celebrate with their 'online event, 'From Our Backyard To Yours."

“We thought it would be pretty cool to get all of the artists that would’ve been onstage at the festival to put something together from wherever they are in the world. Whether they’re in their backyard, living room, whatever. Then we will compile it together and put it up online on the 22nd.”

Access to the online event is free; however, donations towards the artists are being accepted.

Nadia adds that you can choose a specific artist that you would like to support.

For more information about the festival, and to donate, visit theharvestsun.com.

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The Meals on Wheels program in Dauphin is putting out the call to recruit more volunteer drivers.

Volunteers, using their own vehicle, would be asked to pick-up one hour shifts during a specific week, or a couple of times during a month. This placement depends on reliable individuals to offer time between 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. during weekdays.

PMH Regional Manager of Nutrition Services Lisa Fugleberg says the program is essential to their clients that struggle to prepare their own meals.

“The program relies on volunteer drivers. It’s our own healthcare staff that are making the meals, but it’s the drivers that get the hot nutritious meals to the clients.”

The Dauphin Meals on Wheels program has the capacity to deliver about 25 meals every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Lisa says the program is always recruiting, especially during the winter months where they typically see a drop off in drivers.

"With all that’s going on right now, we just wanted to put the call out that we always need drivers, and we really appreciate anybody that has time to do that volunteer driving.”

If you’re interested in driving to help clients maintain their ability to live healthily at home, call 204-638-2200 to give your information.

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You can help a local high school student get a scholarship for her university studies, and also secure funding for the Dauphin Regional Comprehensive Secondary School.

All you have to do is click here and vote for DRCSS’ grade 12 student Oksana Iwanchysko.

Oksana has applied for the G3 Grow Beyond Scholarship, which awards $4,000 to students pursuing post-secondary education in agriculture studies. Another $1,000 is awarded to the student’s high school, in this case, the DRCSS.

Oksana will be attending the University of Manitoba next year to study Agroecology and looks forward to a career as an agronomist.

She says it would mean a lot if she could help her high school secure money to benefit future students.

“I think it would be amazing for the DRCSS to receive this money and use to make advancements in things like vocational programming. It would be amazing if my efforts could be useful in giving back.”

Oksana explains the point system for the scholarship is partially based on voting. She has also submitted a video explaining her vision of the future of agriculture in Canada.

To see the video and to help her secure the scholarship, click here to vote.

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Today Public Health Officials announced 2 new cases of COVID-19.

The total number of Cases is now 257, while 154 people are listed as recovered.

There are currently 97 active cases.

The number of COVID-19 related deaths in the province remains at 6.

The number of cases in the Prairie Mountain Health region remains at 13.

Dr. Brent Roussin acknowledges that Manitobans are anxious to begin the re-opening process, but stresses that it will take time.

“We’re going to look at ways to open certain non-essential businesses, while others will remain closed. However, this will not be a return to normal. There will be a new normal for the foreseeable future. We’ll need to continue our social distancing efforts although we will be able to ease some of those restrictions.”

For the most up to date information about COVID-19, visit Manitoba.ca/covid19.

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Today the prime minister addressed concerns that many Canadian students were falling through the cracks of the Canada emergency response benefit (CERB).

Post-secondary students will now be eligible for $1,250 a month from May until August, with $1,750 available for students that have a disability, or if they take care of someone.

Trudeau announced the new measure today alongside $9 billion in financial aid for post-secondary students.

Like some other federal program, payments will be made through the Canada Revenue Agency.

Other measures aimed to help students include:
(1) Raising the maximum weekly amount that can be provided through the Canada student loans program in 2020-2021 to $350 from $210.
(2) More than $75 million in additional supports for Indigenous post-secondary students.
(3) Another $291 million for federal granting councils to extend expiring federal graduate research scholarships and post-doctoral fellowships and supplement existing federal research grants.

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Manitoba has announced $120 million to support small and medium-sized businesses across the province.

Manitoba businesses that might not qualify for federal support can apply for the new Manitoba Gap Protection Program (MGPP).

Premier Brian Pallister says small businesses will be the key to Manitoba bouncing back from this crisis.

The MGPP program will offer each eligible business the non-interest bearing forgivable MGPP loan of $6,000.

To be eligible for the MGPP funding, a business must:
•    have been operational on March 20, 2020, the date the Manitoba government declared a province-wide state of emergency under The Emergency Measures Act because of COVID-19;
•    have temporarily ceased or curtailed operations as a result of a COVID-19 public health order and have been harmed by the health order;
•    be registered and in good standing with the Manitoba Business and Corporate Registry;
•    have not qualified for federal government COVID-19 grant support; and
•    have an email address and a bank account.

Pallister acknowledges the concerns of non-essential businesses that hope to reopen as soon as possible, but could not yet offer a timeline.

“Small businesses that haven’t been on the essential services list are itching to get back open. In terms of reopening, that’s what we’re wanting to develop and share with Manitobans. I think we’re nearing a point where we can share this information with Manitobans.”

With today’s announcement addressing “gaps” in support for Manitoba’s small businesses, the premier told CKDM the agriculture industry, and specifically potato farming, is another key area of focus.

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A virtual vigil will be held in memory of the 22 people killed in a weekend tragedy in Nova Scotia.

The vigil is planned for Friday evening, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is expected to take part.

Investigators still have not identified the motive that led a 51-year-old man from Halifax on a shooting rampage.

You can tune in to the vigil live on Facebook, on Friday, April 24, at 5 p.m. CDT.

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Millions of people across the globe today will be celebrating Earth Day.

It’s the 50th anniversary of the day that encourages us all to reflect on our relationship with the planet.

The global pandemic has had a noticeable impact on the environment, mostly in a good way. 

Skies are clearing of pollution as nearly 8 in 10 flights have been cancelled, and wildlife have been returning to much cleaner waters.

You’re invited to share you Earth Day experience using the hashtag #EarthDayAtHome

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