Manitoba Country Music Association aim to shine light on province's homegrown talent

The Manitoba Country Music Awards are happening Sunday, and those behind the scenes are grateful to see local artists take centre stage.

Miles Trach, president of the Manitoba Country Music Association, says they've been trying to give Manitoba artists this platform for over a decade. This eventually led to the inaugural Manitoba Country Music Awards in 2015.

"It started about 15 years ago when I joined the board," explains Trach. "We were very much trying to rebuild our country music community here in Manitoba."

Manitoba offering free Provincial Park entry during Labour Day long weekend

With the final long weekend of the summer around the corner, the Manitoba Government is offering free Provincial Park entry.

In a press release this week, Environment and Climate Change Minister Tracy Schmidt says the free entry will last from Friday, August 30 to Monday, September 2.

Manitoba Government announces universal birth control coverage

The Manitoba Government has announced that no-cost coverage of prescription birth control is on the way.

Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara announced that beginning on October 1, the Manitoba Pharmacare Program will cover the entire cost of roughly 60 commonly used birth-control methods. This includes the pill, intrauterine devices, hormone injections and others.

Provincial, federal governments looking to support Indigenous in Agriculture

The governments of Canada and Manitoba are hoping to provide Indigenous people with opportunities in the agriculture and agri-food sectors.

The announcement was made on July 31st by federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay and Manitoba Agriculture Minister Derek Johnson. The governments will be using the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) to provide funding for initiatives that either address barriers or enhance opportunities.

Provincial, federal governments looking to support Indigenous in Agriculture

The governments of Canada and Manitoba are hoping to provide Indigenous people with opportunities in the agriculture and agri-food sectors.

The announcement was made on July 31st by federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay and Manitoba Agriculture Minister Derek Johnson. The governments will be using the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) to provide funding for initiatives that either address barriers or enhance opportunities.

New campsite reservation system launching this year for provincial parks

Those looking to camp out at provincial parks will have to be ready to book on their respective opening days.

Natural Resources and Northern Development Minister Greg Nesbitt has announced they are launching a new reservation system for provincial parks for the 2023 camping season. These changes are designed to make the process of reserving your camping spot easier and more responsive.

Free park entry begins today for all provincial parks in Manitoba

The current Extreme Cold Warning will not last much longer with temperatures this weekend to reach around -5C, making for some ideal conditions to visit provincial parks.

Climate and Parks Minister Jeff Wharton has announced that provincial parks will be free to enter for the entire month of February, allowing Manitobans and tourists the opportunity to partake in winter activities.

Manitoba contributes additional funding to Fish and Wildlife Enhancement Fund

The province hopes to promote sustainable and proactive practices regarding fish and wildlife populations.

Natural Resources and Northern Development Minister Greg Nesbitt has announced that the Manitoba government has contributed $794,000 to the Fish and Wildlife Enhancement Fund (FWEF). Over 23,000 people contributed more than $143,000 from 2020 to 2022 through the e-licensing system.

STARS reveals past fiscal year as busiest yet for Manitoba with 54 missions to Steinbach

STARS is known for being ready to fly to wherever they need to go to help Manitobans, but their most recent fiscal year saw the most action yet. 

Blake Robert, communications officer for STARS Manitoba, says the fiscal year runs from April 1st to March 31st. During that time, they flew 773 missions from their base in Winnipeg, making this their busiest year since they began serving the province 10 years ago. 

Uncertified health-care aides to receive tuition support

Our provincial government will be offering tuition support for uncertified health-care aides so they can enhance their skills. 

The announcement was made by Economic Development, Investment and Trade Minister Cliff Cullen, Health Minister Audrey Gordon, and Seniors and Long-term Care Minister Scott Johnston. Over the next year, eligible uncertified health-care aides can apply for the support, where approximately 120 students will be selected. The goal is for these aides to be able to assist in personal care homes in a greater capacity.