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The two men vying for the leadership of Manitoba's Progressive Conservative party squared off Wednesday night in a debate that touched on crime, health care, taxes and other issues.

Obby Khan, a former cabinet minister who now sits on the Opposition side of the legislature, again pitched himself as a big-tent conservative who could help the party regain support in Winnipeg.

Manitobans are being reminded to be cautious while driving on ice roads or frozen lakes. 

With warmer weather on the way, the chances of falling through ice increase as the ice softens and melts. 

Last year, Manitoba Public Insurance recorded 22 claims for vehicles that went through the ice. This year, they have already received four. 

MPI says that going through ice into cold water is potentially fatal as it can lead to hypothermia or drawing. 

The Winnipeg Humane Society has welcomed its new Chief Executive Officer. 

Christina Von Schindler will take on the new role later this spring. 

Von Schindler is a life-long advocate for animal welfare and a rescue dog parent. She has also been an active member of the WHS Board of Directors since 2023.

Funeral For:  John R. Friesen 
Funeral Date: March 23, 2025 
John R. Friesen, 93, of Steinbach passed away Sunday, March 16th at Resthaven Care Home. He is survived by his wife Tina, 1 daughter, 2 sons, 3 sisters, 1 brother, and their families. He was predeceased by 1 grandson, 2 sisters, 8 brothers-in-law, and 7 sisters-in-law. 
The funeral service for John R. Friesen will be held Sunday, March 23rd at 2pm at Birchwood Funeral Chapel with burial at Heritage Cemetery. 

Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to call a federal election on Sunday for a vote as early as April 28.

Sources would not confirm the specific date of the vote, but federal campaigns must run at least 37 days.

This will be Canada's 45th federal election.

Canada's political parties have been mobilizing campaigns by nominating candidates and organizing leaders' tours.

Carney was elected as Liberal leader to succeed Justin Trudeau on March 9 and was sworn in as prime minister along with his new cabinet on March 14.

A Winnipeg artist is using her creativity to bring joy and hope to children fighting life-threatening illnesses.

Yashan Wu, owner of Unboxed Customs, a custom footwear business, has partnered with the Dream Factory to provide a few children with the shoes of their dreams. 

"2025 came and I thought I should maybe do something philanthropic and give back to the community," said Wu. 

Several residents of St. James are waking up in the dark Thursday morning. 

A vehicle collided with a hydro pole in the 2600 block of Ness Avenue, which has led to over 800 customers losing power in the Booth neighbourhood.   

A non-profit organization in Winnipeg that feeds thousands of people in need is on their way to completing its first-ever building. 

"We're a couple months into construction and there's lots going on at Agape Table," says Jim Steep, the Executive Director of Agape Table. "It's very exciting. We're anticipating a new home for Agape Table. We hope to open the doors, maybe Valentine's Day next year."

Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly said Wednesday that China has executed four Canadians in recent months.

The minister said all four were "dual citizens" and were all "facing charges linked to criminal activities according to China, linked to drugs."

"This is an issue that I've been following very, very closely, personally, for months, and I've asked personally also (for) leniency," Joly said, adding former prime minister Justin Trudeau also urged China not to execute the Canadians.

With polls suggesting U.S. President Donald Trump and his administration's use of punishing tariffs are a top-of-mind issue for Canadians ahead of the upcoming federal election, Trump has now offered his thoughts on which political party he would rather work with.

"I'd rather deal with a Liberal than a Conservative," Trump said in an interview with Fox News host Laura Ingraham Tuesday.

During the interview he reiterated his call for Canada to become a U.S. state and his false claim that the U.S. subsidizes Canada by $200 billion a year.