NewsNow
Manitoba Finance Minister Adrien Sala says the provincial government intends to temporarily freeze hydroelectric rates, but it may push back the promise it made during the election campaign for one year.
His remarks come as new Manitoba Hydro numbers show the utility is expecting a net loss this year instead of the profit it predicted in the spring.
Sala says the former Progressive Conservative government should have known about the utility's challenges and released an updated deficit figure to include them.
But Tory hydro critic Grant Jackson says they made it clear that Hydro's finances would be challenged by dry weather.
- Details
- Contributed by Jeff Henson
A measure introduced by the former Progressive Conservative government in Manitoba in an effort to help agricultural producers is being expanded by the governing N-D-P.
A temporary rent reduction for Crown land used for things like grazing, haying, and annual cropping had been slated to be 50 per cent this year, 33 per cent next and 15 per cent in 2025.
The N-D-P says next year's rate will be going up to 55 per cent.
Premier Wab Kinew says the move will essentially keep next year's rate the same as it is now and will provide producers with more than two million dollars in support.
with files from the Canadian Press
- Details
- Contributed by Jeff Henson
RCMP in The Pas has arrested a 24-year-old Swan River man after an incident in that community Wednesday night.
Mounties say at around 11:35 that evening, they received a report of a pickup truck being stolen from a residence.
Thanks to the GPS in the truck, police were able to track the vehicle and eventually pull it over.
The driver, who did not have a driver's license, was arrested and taken to The Pas detachment.
Mounties say the suspect uttered threats and then assaulted one of the officers who was placing him in the cell.
The officer was treated for their injuries in hospital and was released.
Allan Knight remains in custody and faces a number of charges, including assaulting a Peace Officer.
- Details
- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Tonight, the jewel of the Parkland will be shining bright, as the Roblin Parade of Light is taking place.
This annual event will kick off at 7 pm tonight, and it's not the only reason to be out on the town.
As well as the parade, Many shops will be open for some late-night shopping across the town of Roblin!
you can see the details and everything going on in the parkland on the community calendar.
- Details
- Contributed by Michael Brossart
The Manitoba government is introducing amendments to the Fuel Tax Act, which would temporarily pause the collection of the provincial tax on gasoline for at least six months starting next year.
Bill 3, the fuel tax amendment act would temporarily reduce the provincial fuel tax rate to zero cents per litre on gasoline, natural gas, and diesel fuels for road use.
This tax pause would remain in place for six months. During the fuel tax holiday, the 14-cent fuel tax rates on gasoline and diesel used to operate motor vehicles will be eliminated.
Fuel taxes would continue to be collected on aviation, locomotive and propane as these are not included in the fuel tax holiday.
The average Manitoba family with two cars is expected to save approximately $250 during the six-month fuel tax holiday.
- Details
- Contributed by Michael Brossart
The Dauphin and District community is responsible for a lot of community projects, and Kit Daley, with the DDCF, says a crucial aspect of their work is local support.
Kit Daley, with the Dauphin and District Community Foundation, notes that they get a large amount of support from local businesses, and they make sure to give it right back to the community.
"In addition to providing employment opportunities, businesses donate to organizations like ours, which in turn support projects and organizations that benefit everyone. Dauphin and District Community Foundation was recently chosen for the Smile Cookie campaign by our local Tim Hortons. And, we immediately had businesses step up as daily sponsors providing matching funds, as well as providing staff to help decorate cookies."
On behalf of all of us, THANK YOU DAUPHIN AND AREA!! And, THANK YOU Tim Hortons Westman & Area for your gracious support!
Posted by Dauphin & District Community Foundation on Tuesday, November 21, 2023.
The DDCF does a lot of wonderful things in the city, and it's all fueled by the people who choose to put their money where their house is.
- Details
- Contributed by Michael Brossart
In a historic announcement today, Manitoba's current premier gave recognition to its first.
In this announcement, Premier Wab Kinew was proud to recognize Louis Riel and his accomplishments.
“For generations, Red River Métis people in Manitoba have fought for recognition, dignity, and inclusion in our province. They have long known the true history of our province: that Louis Riel was our first premier. Today, our government will honor their tireless work to keep his legacy alive by introducing legislation that would recognize him as the first premier of Manitoba.”
Riel was just 25 when he and other Red River Métis formed a provisional government and presented Canada with a bill of rights, which led to our province entering the confederation with the 1870 Manitoba Act.
This bill looked to protect indigenous languages, religious rights, and federal representation and demanded that the treaties made with First Nations be ratified.
Riel also represented the province 3 times in parliament, negotiating these terms with the Government of Canada.
His leadership and the Red River Métis forever changed the shape of Western Canada, ensuring rights to democratic representation from the West were honored.
Manitoba Métis Federation President David Chartrand was also deeply proud to see Riel get this recognition.
“To see Louis Riel – leader of the Red River Métis of the Northwest – receive his rightful recognition for his contributions to the formation of Manitoba and Canada will touch the hearts of all our citizens, particularly our elected officials, elders and seniors who have spent their lives fighting and advocating for this moment. This legislation is just the beginning. We look forward to seeing the true history of Canada taught in schools from kindergarten to Grade 12 and beyond including the contributions of the government of the Red River Métis and all Indigenous nations.”
Kinew also stated that this new legislation is the first step in resetting the relationship between the Manitoba Government and Indigenous Governments as partners and leaders of the province.
- Details
- Contributed by Michael Brossart
At a recent community policing town hall, Dauphin RCMP Sergeant Scott Linklater reported that the number of firearms offences locally has gone up in the past year.
Linklater says any illegal firearm out in the public is a concern to them.
"The more guns we can get off the street, the better. We are looking at it, we are targeting the people that we think may have the guns. We are working with groups that do good work with surveillance and intel gathering. I think we are addressing but it is just a never-ending battle."
Linklater adds the public can help with this.
"If people see (weapons), please report it to us. The more we know, then the more we can deal with it and the better we can respond."
- Details
- Contributed by Jeff Henson
December 12th will be the next court appearance for a Dauphin man charged after a traffic stop this past summer.
On June 13th, RCMP in the city spotted a vehicle speeding northbound on Main Street and pulled it over, finding two men inside, along with a large bag of unmarked cigarettes and a strong smell of alcohol.
The driver was arrested after failing a roadside alcohol screening test, and Mounties also discovered a homemade gun with a bayonet attached within the vehicle, along with used and unused ammunition, several cell phones, and a quantity of cash.
The driver, 37-year-old Christopher Bilay, faces a long list of charges and remains in custody until his next court appearance.
- Details
- Contributed by Jeff Henson
A scheduled Power Outage has been announced for Friday in the village of Ethelbert, as Manitoba Hydro needs to Attend to some critical maintenance.
Manitoba Hydro expects this outage to last from between 10 am and 1 pm.
Be sure to plan accordingly for the outage within this time frame.
In case of outages, planned or unplanned, Manitoba Hydro recommends having blankets, candles, matches, flashlights, and other outage essentials ready.
as well, they recommend making sure to have your devices and/or battery backups charged ahead of time.
- Details
- Contributed by Michael Brossart
A resident in a home north of Russell had their quiet Tuesday morning interrupted when three assailants came knocking on her door.
On November 21, 2023, at approximately 9:00 am, Russell RCMP responded to a report of a home invasion in progress in a rural area north of Rossburn.
Two males and one female suspect entered the home after knocking on the door. A 76-year-old female was then assaulted, and after a family member intervened, the male suspects fled the scene.
The family member was able to briefly detain the female suspect, but she was able to flee on foot before police arrived. It is believed she was picked up in a grey vehicle by the male suspects.
The victim was transported to hospital with injuries and has since been released.
The suspects were not known to the residents and no weapons were used in the attack. The male suspects were wearing masks covering their faces, while the female is described as being in her mid-twenties.
Russell RCMP continues to investigate with the assistance of Major Crime Services and Forensic Investigative Services.
If you have information, please call Russell RCMP at 204-773-3051, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com
- Details
- Contributed by Michael Brossart
