NewsNow
The government of Manitoba is introducing legislative amendments this fall that would set interim rates for Manitoba Hydro and limit annual rate increases to 2.5 percent for the next three years.
Crown Services Minister Jeff Wharton and Finance Minister Scott Fielding made the announcement at a news conference today.
Wharton says the increase of 2.5 percent is the lowest hydro rate increase in 10 years, and that it would result in an average residential annual increase of $35.
“Manitobans deserve a financial break during this pandemic and that’s why we’re keeping rates among the lowest in North America.”
Scott Fielding says these limited rate increases will be introduced as amendments to bill 35: the public utilities ratepayer protection and regulatory reform act.
Fielding says the act would reduce the regulatory costs currently paid by ratepayers by an estimated $40 million by moving to multi-year general rate applications, as is the case in other jurisdictions.
“All members of the legislative assembly will vote and debate this rate increase on bill 35. This will give the Public Utilities Board time to implement reforms, and allow the Utilities to prepare a more rigorous multi-year review and application process.”
The ministers noted bill 35 would create a stronger and more independent Public Utilities Board with the power to review any major projects and contracts worth more than $200 million.
- Details
- Contributed by Trillian Reynoldson
The Government of Saskatchewan has released guidelines for step three of their reopening plan.
Starting Sunday, July 11th, all public health orders in Saskatchewan will end. This includes the removal of the province-wide mandatory masking order and the removal of limits on events and gathering sizes.
Restaurants and businesses will now operate at full capacity and schools will return to regular operations for the 2021-22 school year.
71 percent of Saskatchewan residents have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and 50 percent are now fully immunized.
- Details
Dauphin Farmer’s Market is opening for the season this Friday, July 9th.
The market will run every Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. until September 24th.
It’s located in the parking lot on 1st avenue southeast across from the senior centre.
Joyce Huska, Coordinator of the Farmer’s Market says this is a long-time event, that is very well attended.
“I think we average on a couple of hundred people per week. We’re not that big these days- not as big as we used to be, but we still run a good selection of produce, we have several tables of baking, we have some craft people this year, and I might possibly have a new one with some woodworking this year.”
There’s a big selection at the market, but Joyce says that vendors who are available throughout the summer are still wanted.
“With this market, you need to be able to commit yourself. Once you start showing up people expect you to be there. If they want something they see you one week and they have to be able to come back next week and see you there again.”
The market is sponsored by Cartridge Outlet.
Social distancing must be practiced.
- Details
- Contributed by Trillian Reynoldson
Two people have been arrested after a truck was driven onto the steps of the Manitoba Legislative Building.
A black truck could be seen on the second level of stairs on the Legislature just after 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.
The man who was driving the truck, and a woman passenger were arrested.
There were no injuries and charges are unknown at this time.
The incident is under investgation.
- Details
- Contributed by Trillian Reynoldson
Norman William Sinclair, a 38-year-old male, is wanted by Gypsumville RCMP on numerous warrants for his arrest. Including charges of aggravated assault, failure to appear in court and failure to comply with his Release Order Conditions.
Sinclair is described as 5’10”, 175 lbs, with black hair and brown eyes. His current whereabouts are unknown.
.
In Amaranth, the RCMP is searching for a 34-year-old male named Bobbie Joe William Demach on several warrants, including assault, break and enter, forcible confinement and mischief.
Demach was last seen in Amaranth on May 7th, 2021, and his current whereabouts are unknown. If you know where he may be, please call the Amaranth RCMP at 204-843-2309.
If you have any info on these two men and their whereabouts, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or visit their page here.
- Details
- Contributed by Noah Fuchs
There are walk-ins at the supersite in Dauphin until 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, according to the government website.
More walk-ins are taking place Sunday, July 11th – Wednesday, July 14th, 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Appointments can also be made online, or by calling 1-844-626-8222.
- Details
- Contributed by Trillian Reynoldson
Air quality advisories have been extended for parts of the Interlake, Winnipeg, and eastern Manitoba because of smoke from forest fires in northwestern Ontario.
The first advisories were issued Monday and extended slightly further north today.
A few places under the advisory include:
- Arborg, Hecla, Fisher River, Gypsumville and Ashern
- Berens River, Little Grand Rapids, Bloodvein and Atikaki
- Bissett, Victoria Beach, Nopiming Provincial Park and Pine Falls
- Winnipeg
- Island Lake, Oxford House, Gods Lake
- Poplar River
- Selkirk, Gimli, Stonewall and Woodlands
Southerly winds are expected to blow some of the smoke into central areas of the province later today.
- Details
- Contributed by Trillian Reynoldson
Effective today, Manitobans can request their immunization card over the phone.
Manitobans can call 1-844-MAN-VACC (1-844-626-8222) and follow the prompts to request their immunization card.
To be eligible to request your immunization card:
- you must have a Manitoba health card
- you must have received all required doses of a vaccine (that means for Pfizer, Moderna or AstraZeneca, you require two doses.)
- you must wait 14 days after getting your last dose of vaccine
A total of 1,536,491 doses of vaccine have been administered in Manitoba.
- Details
- Contributed by Trillian Reynoldson
UPDATE
New public health orders are expected next week to reflect the immunization milestones achieved.
Premier Brian Pallister made the announcement today, saying the province passed an immunization goal in its reopening strategy yesterday, as 75.1 percent of eligible Manitobans are now partially vaccinated, and 51.5 are fully vaccinated.
“Once again Manitobans have responded in record numbers to do their part to roll up their sleeve and get vaccinated."
Public health officials have recommended that at least one incubation period should pass between changing public health orders.
Pallister says the race against COVID-19 isn't over yet.
"This is a marathon as I've said before. The frustration of many, we want it to be a sprint, we want it to be over, all of us, but it's a marathon, not a sprint."
Step two on Manitoba's 4-3-2-1 Great Summer Reopening Plan was expected to be met by the August Long weekend, and includes 50 percent or greater opening capacity for businesses, services and facilities as well as increased gathering sizes, with fewer restrictions for specific sectors.
-----
Premier Brian Pallister is making an announcement about an update to COVID-19 vaccine initiatives.
Manitoba passed an immunization goal in its reopening strategy yesterday, as 75.1 percent of eligible Manitobans are now partially vaccinated, and 51.5 are fully vaccinated.
The conference is taking place at 11:00 a.m., and 730 CKDM will have more information as soon as its available.
- Details
- Contributed by Trillian Reynoldson
Because of the dry conditions, there are several burning bans across the province.
The province won’t issue any burning permits within or areas bordering any municipality where the burning restrictions are already in place.
In Areas 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 9, and 10, all provincial burning permits are cancelled, as well as Level 2 travel restrictions imposed, which include the following:
- motorized backcountry travel, including ATVs and other off-road vehicles, is prohibited unless under the authority of a travel permit;
- camping is restricted to developed campgrounds;
- campfires are permitted only between the hours of 8 p.m. and 8 a.m.;
- wayside parks remain open;
- landing and launching is restricted to developed shorelines only
Area 9 includes Duck Mountain Provincial Park, and area 8 includes Camperville, Cowan, and Skownan.
To view a full map, click here.
- Details
- Contributed by Trillian Reynoldson
Canadian youth can now apply to become a part of the RCMP’s National Youth Advisory Committee.
This is an opportunity for youth to connect and have their say.
NYAC members interact with participants from all over the country and discuss issues in their communities. They share their thoughts and help shape RCMP programs and initiatives.
Canadians aged 13 to 21 can get an application form by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Applications must be received by September 10, 2021.
- Details
- Contributed by Trillian Reynoldson
