Portage

Several Government of Canada payments are scheduled to roll out over the coming weeks, with eligible Canadians seeing multiple deposits land in their bank accounts throughout July. 

Key benefit dates to watch

The first federal payment of the month is the GST/HST credit, which is set to arrive on Friday, July 4. This quarterly credit helps offset the cost of the goods and services tax for lower- and modest-income individuals and families. 

A new law meant to protect supply management might not be enough to shield the system in trade talks with a Trump administration bent on eliminating it, trade experts say.

"It's certainly more difficult to strike a deal with the United States now with the passage of this bill that basically forces Canada to negotiate with one hand tied behind its back," said William Pellerin, a trade lawyer and partner at the firm McMillan LLP.

Confidence federal public servants have in their senior managers has fallen in recent years, a new survey suggests.

The 2024 Public Service Employee Survey said 55 per cent of public servants have confidence in senior management at their department or agency, down from 64 per cent in 2022 and 68 per cent in 2020.

Almost two-thirds of respondents in the new survey said senior managers in their department or agency model ethical behaviour.

Canada Day represented a new milestone for Sandy Salcedo Delgado, as friends and family gathered to celebrate her recent achievement of officially becoming a Canadian citizen.

She notes that it has been a long time coming.

"I moved here from Tepic, Mexico, and that was back in 2010. So, it will be 15 years on July 9."

She says that having a party with her church and friends in the area made it especially enjoyable.

Southern Manitoba is heading into its hottest stretch of the summer so far, with humidex values expected to reach a sweltering 40 degrees by Friday, prompting a heat warning across the region.

Environment Canada says a hot and humid air mass will settle over the area beginning on Thursday, making for uncomfortable and potentially dangerous conditions. Relief is expected late Friday night as a cold front moves through, bringing slightly cooler and less humid weather by Saturday.

Carol Jean Strecker (nee Rusnak)

After a short illness, Carol Strecker passed away peacefully on February 27, 2025 with family by her side at her home at the age of 79 years.

A private interment will take place at Hillside Cemetery.  Everyone is welcome to join the family for Carol’s celebration of life on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at 313 Dufferin Ave West in Portage la Prairie from 3:00pm to 5:30pm, small lunch will be served.

Farm Credit Canada's Transition Loan program has been enhanced.

Federal Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald says transferring the family farm or business can be stressful; the new changes will help address the financial barriers many people face.

The loan's new terms are designed to make it easier for both buyers and sellers by allowing disbursements to the seller over a 10 year period.

The loan is available for farms, agribusinesses, or food businesses going through changes in ownership, be it within or outside the family.

 Irrican owns multiple hydroelectric facilities and solar sites

A new battery storage facility is helping power two southern Alberta irrigation districts.

Irrican Power, a renewable energy producer, comprised of the St. Mary River Irrigation District and Raymond Irrigation District, has announced the commissioning of the Raymond Enhanced Battery and Renewables Project.

The eBAR facility is located at the Raymond Irrican Hydropower Plant near Raymond.

The move by Sask. would help producers with the cost of cleaning and disinfection after the disease is found on their farms

Saskatchewan may ask to trigger AgriRecovery for producers affected by bovine tuberculosis.

Provincial agriculture minister Daryl Harrison said last week he had heard from cattle organizations about the need for more help.

A founding shareholder questions why the board approved raises for executives while the terminal incurred $28 million in cumulative losses since 2016

North West Terminal Ltd. is being tight-lipped about what is happening with the idled grain company.

The firm held its annual general meeting on June 18, but chief executive officer Jason Skinner refused to divulge what was discussed at the AGM.

“We’ll just go no comment because we’re in negotiations on some things,” he said.