Portage

Former public safety minister Bill Blair told a federal inquiry Friday he had no knowledge about delays in approving a spy service warrant in 2021 that may have included references to people in his own government.

A commission of inquiry into foreign interference has heard that it took 54 days for the Canadian Security Intelligence Service warrant application to be approved by Blair.

The average turnaround time for such applications is four to 10 days.

Here's a look at some of this week's top news photos as selected by editors.

This drone image provided by Kairat Kassymbekov shows flooding from Hurricane Milton in Tampa, Fla., Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024. (Kairat Kassymbekov via AP)

A former public safety minister says he is very worried the unfolding conversation about some parliamentarians being complicit in foreign interference is becoming a "kangaroo court." 

Marco Mendicino told a commission of inquiry into foreign meddling Thursday it is important to follow due process under the law before jumping to conclusions about the conduct of parliamentarians. 

Manitobans could be paying more for natural gas, beginning next month.

Centra Gas Manitoba Inc. has filed a general rate application with the Public Utilities Board (PUB). The application seeks approval, on an interim basis, of an average natural gas general revenue increase of 4.5 per cent. If approved, the increase will take effect November 1st of this year.

Manitoba Hydro states that for a typical residential household, the new rates would result in an average increase of approximately 3.9 per cent, or $2 per month. 

Another outstanding offensive performance led the Terriers to a 6-0 victory over the Swan Valley Stampeders. Offence came from throughout the lineup with four players scoring their first goal as a Terrier.

The senior population in Portage la Prairie has a supporter in their quest for an MRI unit in the new hospital. Kathy Bryce, Executive Director of the Herman Prior Activity Centre, believes including an MRI in the Portage hospital is extremely important.

"I am of the age where things are bound to start happening, and I’m going to need, hopefully not, some more medical care down the road," Bryce said. "Having an MRI machine right in Portage la Prairie would make the most sense, especially when everything is available for it. It’s the right time to do it."

While there are many ways to celebrate Thanksgiving, many people will have enjoyed sitting down to a nice juicy turkey.

Thanksgiving and Christmas are the two biggest seasons for turkey consumption,  but over the last few years, the industry has launched a campaign to broaden that reach.

Chair of the Turkey Farmers of Canada  Darren Ference says more and more people are now eating whole turkeys or turkey parts throughout the year.

Portage la Prairie fire department is currently (as of Friday, October 11, 1 p.m.) tending to two separate motor vehicle collisions.

The Trans-Canada and Hwy 430 is one scene, where #1 westbound lanes are closed and will remain so until the semi can be removed.

The second collision is at Hwy 430 and Road 66N.

The Portage Terriers will take on another opponent for the first time this season with a matchup against the Swan Valley Stampeders. After sweeping the season series last year, Portage looks to even up their record this year with another win.

Swan Valley has had a slow start to the season this year, only one win in eight games thus far and only 14 goals to their credit.

After 14 years of dedicated service, Kam Blight has officially resigned as Reeve of the RM of Portage la Prairie, marking the end of what he describes as some of the best years of his life. Blight announced his decision, citing a need to focus on his health and family, but expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to serve the community.

Effective Friday, Oct. 11, Kam Blight made the announcement.

Blight says the decision was made after careful consideration.