Steinbach

A woman from Winnipeg is dead following a possible drowning in Whiteshell Provincial Park.

On Saturday at 12:45 pm, Whitemouth RCMP were called to Sturgeon Falls near Nutimik Lake, along with Manitoba Conservation and EMS. 

Police say a woman fell into the water after slipping on some rocks. The strong current then pulled her into the lake.

A Manitoba Conservation Service officer was able to locate the woman by boat within Nutimik Lake. She was immediately transported to hospital.

The 38-year-old from Winnipeg was later pronounced dead.

The federal government is investing $15 million into Protein Industries Canada; the funding is being used to strengthen Canada's agri-food sector.

The new funding will focus on genomics and AI programs by bringing new tools to plant breeders, farmers, ingredient processors, and food manufacturers.

The programs will enable farmers and companies across Canada’s agrifood sector to build a more resilient, efficient, and sustainable food system. 

Alberta is working on strengthening its market presence in Southeast Asia.

Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation RJ Sigurdson is in Southeast Asia to promote Alberta as a reliable supplier of agricultural products.

The overall goal is to strengthen relationships with Vietnam and the Philippines to increase trade and investment opportunities that 
will directly benefit producers and processors by opening new markets for Alberta agriculture and food products.

Farm Credit Canada is investing $2 billion to advance agtech innovation in Canada’s agriculture and food industry. 

The money which will be invested by 2030 will direct more investment into innovative devices, instrumentation, research, and methodologies designed to improve efficiency, productivity, and sustainability.

Stats show Canada’s agtech sector is lagging, putting Canada at a strategic disadvantage, while Japan  and the European Union have been increasing investments in ag tech.

Alberta's latest crop report shows 90 per cent of the provincial crop is now in; that's ahead of the 5-year average of 81 per cent. 

Roy Larsen, the director of Statistics and Data Development for Agriculture and Irrigation says seeding progress in the South is at 97 per cent complete, the North West at 93 per cent, the Central region is at 89 per cent, the North East at 86  per cent, and the Peace at 84 per cent.

Crop progress shows 99 per cent of the dry peas have been planted, while oats lag behind at 74 per cent. 

A new historical site is taking shape in Niverville, where a team of high school students and local builders are working together to preserve a piece of the town's past.

At the center of the project is a timber frame canopy going up over a long-lost CP well, now rediscovered and being restored as a future tourist and heritage attraction.

Fires near Bird River and Ingolf, Ontario continue to burn out of control.

The Manitoba Wildfire Service (MWS) says the Bird River fire is approximately 188,441 hectares in size. Provincial Road (PR) 315 is closed at Hill Road in the Bird River area, with no travel beyond that point to Nopiming Provincial Park and onward up to PR 314 and Bissett. Mandatory evacuation is now in place for Bissett. The evacuation order for the remainder of the Rural Municipality of Alexander was lifted at 10 am Sunday and residents have returned to their homes. 

Funeral For:  Philip Doerksen 
Funeral Date: June 5, 2025 
Philip Doerksen, 80, of Winnipeg passed away Thursday, May 29th at his residence. He is survived by his wife Carol, 1 daughter, and 1 son. The funeral service for Philip Doerksen will be held Thursday, June 5th at 2pm at Morrow Gospel Church, 755 St. Anne’s Road, with ash interment at a later date. 
Viewing will be at the church prior to the service. 
Arrangements by Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach.