Portage

Liberal Leader Mark Carney and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre aligned on support for new oil and gas pipelines as a matter of national security during the French language election debate Wednesday night.

Dealing with U.S. President Donald Trump was a running theme as the four main federal party leaders took the stage in Montreal for the first of two debates. Even the debate moderator Patrice Roy cited the elephant in the room as he pitched questions on immigration, affordability and Canadian identity.

A new mural now illuminates the walls of Southport Bowl, capturing the community’s past, present, and personality in vivid, glowing colour. Spearheaded by Southport Aerospace Centre’s Digital Marketing Coordinator Anyssa Gates and brought to life by Winnipeg muralist Rachel Lancaster, the large-scale artwork is already drawing eyes, both in person and online. 

Warm weather is within reach, and the Portage Regional Recreation Authority (PRRA) is already turning its focus to summer. Day camp registration opened Wednesday morning (April 16th), both online and in person, and preparations are well underway for another packed season full of fun. 

Kristin Sapinski helps bridge the gap between patients and comfort through her work with St. John Ambulance’s therapy dog program in Portage la Prairie. Unlike service dogs trained for specific medical tasks, therapy dogs provide emotional support in hospitals, schools, and care homes. 

"Therapy dogs go into hospitals, schools, [and] homes to offer emotional support and comfort," she notes. "They’re not service dogs—they’re two separate things."

Agriculture takes center stage in the Federal  Election campaign for some candidates this week . 

The Canadian Federation of Agriculture  (CFA) is holding their National Agricultural Leaders Debate on Thursday, April 17th.

CFA President Keith Currie says, like most Canadians, producers are concerned about what's happening south of the border and the plethora of executive orders that President Trump is putting in motion.

Portage Collegiate Institute Grade 11 student Kirby Vince has logged over 1,000 apprenticeship hours with the Rural Municipality of Portage's welding team while earning eight high school credits -- the program’s maximum. The achievement positions him ahead of peers in Manitoba’s High School Apprenticeship Program (HSAP), which partners students with local trades employers.

The Bank of Canada left its benchmark interest rate unchanged Wednesday as it waits to get a clearer picture of how global trade uncertainty is going to impact the Canadian economy.

The central bank held its policy rate steady at 2.75 per cent, the first time it has left the key rate unchanged following seven consecutive cuts since June.

That decision arrived in the midst of the United States' ever-shifting global trade war, and Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem made clear that the disruption from south of the border was the clear focus of Wednesday’s decision.

A local athlete with the Portage Stampeders team is gearing up to represent his community on the provincial stage this summer, and he's bringing his infectious smile and energy with him.

Caleb Reykdal, a Special Olympics athlete from Portage la Prairie, shared his excitement for the upcoming Manitoba Summer Games in Winnipeg. 

"I'm doing running and shot put," Caleb said proudly.

Caleb, who also enjoys baseball, and golf is one of six athletes from the Portage Stampeders team set to compete in the provincial games in June.

Residents of Oak Tree Towers in Portage la Prairie are breathing easier after security as been implemented around the clock. Rising safety concerns linked to disruptive tenants led to months of complaints about harassment, vandalism, and frequent after-hours disturbances.

The stage will look different than originally planned Wednesday night, when Canada's major party leaders square off in the first of two nationally televised debates.

Instead of five podiums on the stage, there will now only be four.

The Green Party had its invitation rescinded less than 12 hours before the debate is set to start, with the Leaders' Debate Commission saying the party no longer met the criteria to be included.

Green Party co-leader Jonathan Pedneault called the "last minute decision" both "unfounded" and "undemocratic."