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Over 12-thousand residents in the Riding Mountain constituency cast a ballot during advanced voting last weekend.

Elections Canada is putting out a further breakdown of advanced voter numbers, after announcing earlier this week that a record 7.3 million Canadians took part in advanced voting from April 18th to 21st.

In Manitoba, 229,379 people visited advanced polls this year, smashing the total of almost 188 thousand from the 2021 vote.

Monday is election day with polls being open from 8:30 to 8:30 in Manitoba, and 7:30 to 7:30 in Saskatchewan.

CKDM News Now will have updates throughout Monday evening on the vote in the Riding Mountain constituency. 

The cold winter months are in the rear-view mirror, and summer is right around the corner.

You may be thinking about hitting the road for an adventure. Whether through Riding Mountain National Park or to witness the beauty in the Jewel of the Parkland (Roblin), it's a great feeling to be on the open road with ideal conditions and sunny skies.

It's also important to practice driving safely and, most importantly, to obey the speed limit. Data from Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) shows that at 30 kilometres per hour, pedestrian fatality risk is around five per cent.

That jumps to 80 per cent when driving at 65 kilometres per hour. 68 people have died and 2,220 have been injured in collisions on Manitoba roadways, with speed as the contributing factor to the crash in the last three years. There were 10,499 speed-related collisions in our province from 2022 to 2024. 

Cst. Barry Kirby is with the Dauphin RCMP.

"We do tend to be out and about more in the summer when there is a lot more traffic," said Kirby. "There are times when we can't because of other factors, but we try our best to be out on the roadways as much as possible."

From 2022 to 2024, 1,326 Serious Offence Notices were issued to drivers for exceeding the speed limit by more than 50 kilometres per hour. 

"Sometimes when people are on the highway and it's not very busy, they want to open it up a bit and drive faster," continued Kirby. "You may think you're in control of your vehicle, but if there's a big pothole or someone else pulls out in front of you. There are just way too many risks involved with speeding."

In Dauphin, Kirby emphasizes that the RCMP's top priority is cracking down on speeders and reckless drivers.

"Traffic collisions are a leading cause of death in Manitoba and across the country, so we focus on it a lot," ended Kirby. "If people are out there and see someone speeding or driving recklessly, it's important to call us. We're always open to receiving those calls if people see something that's concerning to them on the roadways."

Enjoy all of your summer drives, but do so safely. 

It's a fundraiser in Ashern that always is very well attended, and it's back this weekend.

The Great Ashern Duck Race is Saturday at noon at the Ashern Sports Grounds. How does it work, you ask?

"It's a really fun event that we host. I think the community has a ton of fun with it," said Scott Cameron, vice president on the board of the Lakeshore Regional Wellness Commission. "When you purchase your ducks, everyone groups up at the Sports Grounds, they're dumped into the ditch, and we watch them flow down."

Score $300 if your duck takes the win, $100 for second, $50 for third, and even the slowpoke duck gets $50. Cameron says they started selling two big buckets of ducks, and as of Friday morning, has dwindled significantly, and only a few remain.

You can purchase your ducks by heading to Dodd's Siding, or head to the Lakeshore Regional Wellness Commission on Facebook. Each duck costs just $5, and the proceeds will go towards a great cause in Ashern.

Even if you live in Dauphin and can't make it to Ashern on Saturday, you can still buy a duck or two.

"A lot of people just support and buy ducks; they don't actually come down to the grounds," ended Cameron. "With that said, I know it's a big hit for the family. Families come down with rubber boots and have some fun. It takes about 10 minutes from start to finish, It's a very fun event for people to come out and be social."

The proceeds will go back to the Lakeshore Regional Wellness Commission to finish off current renovations at the Wellness Centre. A soft opening for the new centre is slated for this summer, and the renovations include a golf simulator, walking track, shuffleboard, and more. 

Residents of Gilbert Plains Municipality will go to the polls on May 28th to elect one new member of council.

Two people have submitted nomination papers for the position: Aaron Klepak and Richard Kruk.

The byelection will take place from 8 am to 8 pm on May 28th at the Richardson Pioneer Community Hall.

Advance voting will take place May 14th from 8 am to 8 pm at the Gilbert Plains Municipal Office. 

Our final election profile takes a look at People's Party of Canada candidate Jim Oliver.

A farmer from near the community of Riding Mountain, Oliver says the PPC offers clear and positive, Conservative-type stance on issues that the mainstream parties are not tackling.

"The big party Conservatives are really very centralist in their ideology, and I just felt inspired by (PPC leader Maxime Bernier) and his efforts over the last several years, and I felt I had an obligation to my family and my community to do my part."

Gender ideology and the environment are two big issues for Oliver.

In particular, he would like to see Canada remove themselves from international environmental treaties that he says are restricting Canadians ability to grow.

"We are taxing our citizens beyond reasonable amounts.  Mark Carney has done away with the consumer carbon tax, but that relief is temporary.  It is a matter of election strategy.  Same with Pierre (Polievre).  We have the Paris Climate accord, and we have these carbon targets that we are trying to meet over the next five years, which are unreasonable and unnecessary.  They do not benefit our country or the citizens or the economy.  We are just virtue signalling for some green movement that is irrelevant." 

Oliver says removing ourselves from the UN-Paris climate treaty would be a positive first step for agriculture, transportation, and resource-based sectors. 

Every spring, the Gilbert Plains Community Fund takes time to connect with the community and to award annual grants to a variety of community projects.

They also use it as an opportunity to celebrate and raise funds.

The Boots, Buckles, and Ballgowns Gala is this Saturday at the Richardson Pioneer Community Hall in Gilbert Plains. It starts at 8:00 p.m.

"Our committee is very excited. It's a great opportunity to showcase the various projects that will be supported for the upcoming year," said Charlene Gulak, committee member. "This year, we are pleased to grant back $22,672.00 to various community projects."

Since 2008, the Gilbert Plains Community Fund has granted the community more than $152,000, with the $22,672 given back this year marking the most in a single year.

Gulak says giving back to projects within the community is very meaningful.

"It's very special, exceptional in terms of the variety and scope of projects that we have been able to support," continued Gulak. 

On top of giving back more than $22,000 to community projects, they will allocate funds to the Gilbert Plains Personal Care Fund. With the theme being Boots, Buckles, and Ballgowns, you're encouraged to come dressed for the part and expect to have a blast.

There will be a nacho bar.

"We'll have a contest that evening to award some of the most creative outfits," ended Gulak. "We have a ton of amazing prizes that will be raffled or auctioned off. The nacho bar is going to be new for us and a lot of fun."

Tickets are $35 per person and can be picked up at Gilbert Plains Fusion Credit Union and Paziuk's Family Food. 

The Watson Art Centre will announce its lineup for its 2025-26 concert series during Saturday's Dirty Catfish Brass Band show.

One show will take place in October, with the remaining three set for early 2026.

Cam Bennett with the Watson tickets for each show is $45. 

"Tickets for the four shows combined have a $180 value, but if you buy them as a package, it costs you $150, so you save 30 bucks.  And we also have a special hot deal.  If you come to the Parkland Business Expo, you can get a ticket to all four shows for just $135." 

Bennett says they can keep ticket prices as low as they can because of the outstanding sponsors that they have,

He promises there will be something for everyone in the concert series. 

There were a few new faces around the table when the board of Prairie Mountain Health held their latest board meeting earlier this month.

Provincial Health, Seniors, and Long Term Care Minister Uzooma Asagwara recently appointed four new board members, while extending the terms of the remaining five members.

Newcomers to the board include Sue Stirling of Grandview, Debbie Huntinghawk and Kim Magalhaes of Brandon and Ron Janzen of Winnipeg.

Among those remaining on the board are board chair Lon Cullen of Brandon, vice-chair Donna Davidson of Ochre River, Jody Parsonage of Baldur, Lori Rodych of Minnedosa and Judy Swanson of Boissevain.  

If you've had an interest in growing cannabis in your home and you live in Manitoba, you'll soon be able to do so legally.

The provincial government is lifting a ban on homegrown recreational cannabis on May 1. That means anyone aged 19 or older can grow up to four cannabis plants in their homes. 

Trevor Shewfelt is a co-host on the Reefer MEDness and is happy that Wab Kinew and his party changed the ban.

"They were thoughts of being worried if you're a property owner and rent your home, if your tenants grew cannabis, would that decrease your property value, and child safety," said Shewfelt. "In my opinion, it was overblown. We are very glad that the provincial NDP under Wab Kinew changed their mind, allowing us to be on the same playing field as most of Canada."

With the ban lifted, Quebec is now the only province in Canada that does not allow for cannabis to be grown recreationally in homes. Shewfelt highlights a few reasons why this is a positive for cannabis users.

"It is way cheaper to grow your own plants than it is to buy them at the store," continued Shewfelt. "Just like tomatoes or watermelons and things like that, it's cheaper to do it yourself. You can also get the variety you want, know exactly how it was grown, it's now under your control."

While people must remain cautious when using cannabis, especially if they are planning to operate a vehicle afterward, Shewfelt says there are benefits to recreational use.

"It's used for sleep, pain, and anxiety. There is a lot of evidence that at times, cannabis works very well for those things," ended Shewfelt. "Putting my pharmacist back on, cannabis is safe."

According to reports, there have been no deaths from overdosing on cannabis. 

The Green Party candidate in the Riding Mountain constituency is the focus of today's election profile.

Liz Clayton is semi-retired, but still serves as an Educational Assistant.

She also spends her winters growing greens in her nutrition greenhouse on her property.

Because of that, food security and land use are among the issues she focuses on in this election.

"Also, issues that are facing Manitoba as a whole, such as depopulation of some of our rural communities, the loss of services, and the great distances we have to travel to maintain our social structure."

With affordability a major issue among many voters in this election, Clayton thinks we need to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor in this country.

"The Green Party has some policies for fair taxation.  We would alleviate taxes for anyone making less than $40,000 a year,  And at the very top 0.5 per cent, we would increase taxes to make up for the offset.  And just try to spread it around a little more."

Election day is set for Monday.

It's an annual festival getting ready to celebrate year 13.

The Manitoba Maple Syrup Festival is back this Saturday and Sunday in McCreary. The festival opens Saturday morning with a pancake breakfast at the Senior Drop-in Centre, hosted by the Marlins Baseball club. There's a farmers market beginning at 10 at the Community Centre, followed by activities for children and youth from 11:30 to 3:30. 

There will be horse and wagon rides from 10:30 to 2:45, and you can learn how to roast bannock on a stick at the sugar bush fire ring. At 11:30, Cameron Campbell will take the stage to open up the entertainment portion of the event, followed by Chantale Crivea, Jody Tucker, the Anderson trio, and Caleb Rudkewich.

The Asham Stompers perform at the Community Centre on 445 Broderick from 5 to 6:30. 

Pam Little is president of the Manitoba Maple Syrup Festival.

"It's always nice to see all of the people who come from all over Manitoba," said Little. "Locals come as well. With that said, it seems there are more people outside of the Parkland. It's interesting to see where people come from and why. Everyone always seems to have a great time."

There will be another pancake breakfast on Sunday and a pemmican making workshop at the McCreary Legion Hall beginning at 11, followed by plant identification, traditional medicine teaching, and harvesting at 2. Sunday's list of events includes the maple dessert contest, the Maeghan Bramley Memorial Steppers, and a 50/50 draw.

An individual pass is just $5, and a family pass is $25. 

Little says there's something for everyone, including those with mobility issues.

"You do have to climb some steps for the horses and buggies, but we always have people there that can help," ended Little. "If people let us know ahead of time, we will do our best to accommodate them getting to the bush, if that's something they're interested in.  There is something for everyone in McCreary this weekend. It's going to be a great festival."

You can get a full list of weekend events here. It's the 13th annual Manitoba Maple Syrup Festival this weekend in McCreary.