Portage

Prairie farmers should be on the lookout as a disease known to cause issues in a variety of crops is a key concern.

That's why experts are asking producers to keep a close eye out for the signs that the disease might be in their fields.

Crops Extension specialist with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture Eileen Beaton talks about the disease.

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland says the Canada carbon rebate for small businesses will be tax-free.

In a statement posted to X late Tuesday, Freeland clarified the parameters of the program after an advocacy group for small business raised concerns that the rebate would be a taxable benefit.

Dan Kelly, president and CEO of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, posted on X soon after that post that he had received a call from Freeland, who offered "assurance" that the rebate would be tax-free.

Donald Trump's second administration is filling up with some of his most loyal supporters and many of the people landing top jobs have been critical of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and security at Canada's border.

One expert says there are not many Canadian allies, so far, in the president-elect's court.

"I don't see a whole lot of friends of Canada in there," said Fen Hampson, a professor of international affairs at Carleton University in Ottawa and co-chair of the Expert Group on Canada-U.S. Relations.

Tuesday, November 12th

Zone 4 High School Hockey League
Northlands Parkway 6 Portage Collegiate 3

NHL
Winnipeg 6 N.Y. Rangers 3
Ottawa 3 Toronto 0
Vancouver 3 Calgary 1
Edmonton 4 N.Y. Islanders 3 (OT)
New Jersey 4 Florida 1
Boston 3 St. Louis 2
Seattle 5 Columbus 2

Portage la Prairie City Council has approved two project applications for the newly announced Manitoba Growth, Renewal, and Opportunities (GRO) program. Council finance chair Joe Masi says the program addresses critical infrastructure needs across the province, allowing rural municipalities to apply for grants covering up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs. He adds the GRO program’s streamlined process allowed municipalities to focus on two high-priority projects.

With temperatures still hovering at and above seasonal norms, you may wonder when we will see any kind of lasting snow in the area.

According to Environment Canada's website, Portage la Prairie averages temperatures with average highs of -1 and lows of -9 at this time of year.

Natalie Hasell, a Warning Preparedness Meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada, notes that this is an on-going trend throughout the fall months.

Central Plains Safe Ride Incorporated officially launched its 2024 Operation Red Nose campaign, kicking off a critical initiative aimed at keeping the Portage la Prairie community safe over the busy holiday season. The program, which offers rides home to those who have been drinking, is a lifeline for drivers who might otherwise make dangerous choices on the road.

David Citulsky, a board member for Central Plains Safe Ride, spoke about the importance of Operation Red Nose and the group's mission to prevent drinking and driving. 

Hockey players are no strangers to travel, and the Portage Terriers are no exception. The team is preparing for one of their big trips later this week, when they will take the six-hour drive to The Pas.

A couple Terriers also recently made the trip from Portage la Prairie to Warman, Saskatchewan to take part in the Western All-Star Showcase, put on by the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL).

Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon intervened Tuesday to end work stoppages at ports in both British Columbia and Montreal, directing the Canada Industrial Relations Board to order the resumption of all operations and move the talks to binding arbitration.

But labour experts and other groups say the minister's decision to intervene in the dispute sets a dangerous precedent that undermines workers' rights. 

It was another successful year for the Portage Terriers and Central Plains Cancer Services as they teamed up once again for their annual sports dinner and auction.

It was the third year for the collaboration between the entities and 350 people packed into Canad Inns Friday night to not only show their support but to also hear NHL Hall of Famer Doug Gilmour tell a few stories.

Sharilyn Knox, executive director of Central Plains Cancer Services commented that it is an evening they really look forward to.