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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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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
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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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
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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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
A group of organizers for the Gilbert Plains High School Rodeo have made the decision to postpone the event until next year.
Not long ago, the Gilbert Plains/Grandview Agricultural Society decided they would no longer host the event, so a group of families stepped up to make sure the event was still put on.
Rodeo organizer Sheila Dudar says the committee has spent the past few months planning sponsorships and getting volunteers.
Sheila says the committee wanted to see the rodeo event continue, as Gilbert Plains has a great facility and the kids love to rodeo. She has three daughters that are into barrel racing, pole bending and goat tying.
The cancellation of the rodeo comes as a big disappointment. President of Manitoba High School Rodeo Association Mark Buchberger explains it was a necessary precaution.
“Gilbert Plains was one of four rodeos we needed to make a decision on whether or not we could go. With the government regulations with regards to the pandemic, we just couldn’t go forward with it.”
This year's event was originally scheduled for May 30th and 31st.
Organizers are now looking ahead to next year, for the Gilbert Plains High School Rodeo 2021.
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
Portage RCMP arrested a woman from Dauphin, a man from Sandy Bay, and seized meth and a firearm this past weekend on Saturday.
The RCMP responded to a 911 call around 12:30 pm Saturday at a residence on 17th St. NW in Portage.
When officers arrived, they located two suspects who had outstanding warrants of arrest.
The two suspects were arrested and police seized a small amount of methamphetamine, a prohibited firearm, ammunition, mace, a machete, and numerous forms of personal ID that didn't belong to those in the residence.
RCMP also located a stolen truck from Winnipeg outside the residence.
30-year-old Francis Beaulieu from Sandy Bay First Nation has been charged with over 10 weapon, drug, and fraud offences. He was remanded into custody and appeared in court yesterday.
A 25-year-old woman from Dauphin has drug charges pending and will appear in Winnipeg court June 16th, 2020.
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- Contributed by Isaac Wihak
Times like these really emphasize how important it is to have quality healthcare.
One local organization has relied on their volunteers for over 30 years to help make sure Parkland area residents have continued access to excellent care.
The Dauphin Hospital Foundation (DHF) is now using National Volunteer Week (April 19th - 25th) as an opportunity to sincerely thank their volunteer Board members.
Chairman of the board Doug Deans explains the volunteers work hard to support and promote projects that benefit the Dauphin Regional Health Centre and Dauphin Personal Care Home.
"Looking back on over three plus decades, we take this opportunity to recognize all past and present volunteer Board members as well as our health centre support staff for their contributions to our legacy," stated Chairman Doug Deans.
The DHF gathers donations and then uses that money to supplement programs or buy things for the hospital that the government doesn’t provide.
Deans is especially proud of one program in particular; a fund that helps nurses expand their education if there’s a program of study they are interested in.
The DHF also recently helped fund the initial phase of redeveloping the Palliative Care unit.
“We do our best to let people know we are here. We are here trying to collect money to be used within the Parkland, within the Dauphin Hospital. The money stays here in Dauphin. Any money someone does give us is used locally to support local initiatives and projects within the hospital.”
Deans says the Foundation thanks all donors and supporters for their contributions to health care.
If you want to donate to the DHF, you can contact the front desk of the Dauphin Regional Health Centre and you will be directed to the person at the regional health authority that handles the foundation.
For more information visit the Dauphin Hospital Foundation website.
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
Mayor Allen Dowhan is expressing his frustration with the provincial government’s decision to move forward with the jail closure during the pandemic.
The mayor requested to meet with Justice Minister Cliff Cullen to discuss ending the closure, and the City of Dauphin even offered $1 million to help cover the costs of revamping the jail.
Mayor Dowhan says he still hasn't heard back from the Justice Minister's office.
The only response he’s received is a letter from the Minister, which appears to indicate there will be no budging on the official May 29th closure date.
He says the decision is disappointing for the employees, who now have to uproot families.
The Mayor is still encouraging local groups to continue their lobbying efforts.
“I have a lot of appreciation for the groups and individuals that are writing [the province]. Keep on lobbying the government. We want to make the message clear: this is the wrong decision at the wrong time.”
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
Public Health Officials have announced 1 new case of COVID-19 in Manitoba.
The total number of cases is now 255.
The total number of cases in the Prairie Mountain Health region remains at 13.
The number of COVID-19 related deaths remains at 6.
At this time, there are 99 active cases in the province, and 150 people are recovered.
Dr. Brent Roussin reminds Manitobans that just because there's a lower number of cases doesn't mean our risk is lower.
"I want to continue to thank all Manitobans for following Public Health orders, but again, caution that our low numbers should not indicate that our risk is lower. COVID-19 is still in Manitoba. We still see this virus circulating. It's circulating in all health regions at this point."
For the most up to date information, and to access the online screening tool, visit Manitoba.ca/covid19.
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- Contributed by Tess Kovach
Organizers of Dauphin’s Countryfest have adjusted the festival dates for 2021.
Last week it was announced this year's festival would be postponed, and organizers set the 2021 festival date to happen in late June.
The organization has decided to move the 2021 festival dates to July 1 – 4, 2021.
Festival general manager Rob Waloschuk says organizers are confident the adjusted date will work best for all parties involved.
“Over the past few weeks, we have been working diligently on all of the details related to postponing the event. Throughout this process and ongoing consultation with artists, volunteers, service providers and fans, we have decided to adjust the dates towards the July long weekend. Some of our ongoing discussions have been with other Manitoba event organizers who find themselves changing their plans to next year as well”.
With the dates now set for 2021, Countryfest will honour all tickets purchased for the 2020 event in 2021.
More information and ticket details will be sent out to all ticket holders later this week.
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
To minimize the impact to highways from damage during spring thaw conditions, Riding Mountain National Park has implemented spring weight restrictions on vehicles.
On highway 19 through the park, vehicle weight restrictions of 6006 lbs or 2730 kg are in place and will be enforced.
As an approximate guide, the largest vehicle allowed would be an empty three-quarter-ton truck or a loaded half-ton truck.
This limit will be in effect until road and weather conditions permit restrictions to be lifted.
The restrictions for highway 10 are a little bit different.
The highway will be closed to heavy truck traffic, three axles or more, within the boundaries of RMNP.
Advance signage will be posted to allow alternative routes to be used. RMNP advises that in order to ensure compliance there will be unscheduled enforcement of these restrictions.
Vehicles with three axles or more will be allowed access to the townsite, the Parks Canada Maintenance Compound, and the Clear Lake Golf Course from the south entrance of the park only for delivery purposes.
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- Contributed by Isaac Wihak
The Manitoba West District Crime Reduction Enforcement Support Team and the Dauphin RCMP executed a search warrant at a house on 4th Avenue SW in Dauphin, Sunday night around 9:15.
The RCMP seized crack cocaine, a large sum of cash, a cash counting machine, and a .30-06 calibre rifle.
A 26-year-old man from Dauphin was arrested and faces several drug and firearm charges.
He was released on an undertaking and will appear in court on June 23, 2020.
The Crime Reduction Enforcement Support Team focuses on intelligence-based investigations into drugs, rural property crime and serious, prolific offenders within our communities.
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- Contributed by Isaac Wihak
